Oleksandr Usyk versus Rico Verhoeven? 'Not a genuine challenge,' says 'disappointed' Fabio Wardley

Fabio Wardley has criticised the prospect of Oleksandr Usyk fighting elite kickboxer Rico Verhoeven.

Verhoeven is widely regarded as the best heavyweight kickboxer in the world and dominated the promotion Glory before vacating his kickboxing crown after a remarkable championship reign that dated back to 2013.

Usyk is a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion who's beaten both Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury twice. The Ukrainian hasn't boxed since he knocked out Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium last year.

Wardley had hoped to fight Usyk himself but became the WBO heavyweight world champion after the Ukrainian vacated that belt.