Kabayel, the WBC interim heavyweight champion and The Ring’s No. 2-rated contender, has been clamoring for a crack at the Ukrainian in recent months, and pushed his agenda into overdrive by entering the ring after the fight concluded to call for a clash in Germany.

“Let’s do it. No problem,” Usyk said. “I’m ready.”

Usyk meanwhile, still had Verhoeven in front of him looking for a well-earned rematch.

As Kabayel (27-0, 19 KOs) exited the venue, he elaborated on his intention to challenge The Ring, IBF, WBA and WBC champion Usyk (26-0, 15 KOs).

“I am the No. 1 contender, and have waited so long for the situation. I'm ready for the next big challenge,” Kabayel told reporters. “He can't be talking about a rematch. First Kabayel. The fight was good. I think Rico was up by one round, but it is what it is. I am not a referee.”

Usyk, down 96-94 on one scorecard and tied 95-95 on the others, knocked down Verhoeven with 22 seconds left the 11th round and piled on the pressure soon after to prompt referee Mark Lyson to controversially stop the fight at the 2:59 mark with Verhoeven still standing and defending himself.

Usyk, who turns 40 in January, looked average for most of the fight and was fortunate to escape victorious.

“After this performance, I think he will come back and do better. I think he's also not happy with his performance,” the unbeaten German continued.

“I go into every fight confident. I focus on myself. I'll be ready. I was born ready for the fight. Let's do it.”

Kabayel’s stock has skyrocketed over the last three years with impressive stoppage wins that have aged well against Frank Sanchez, Zhilei Zhang and Arslanbek Makhmudov.

The 33-year-old was last in action on January 10, crushing Damian Knyba inside three rounds in front of a raucous crowd in Oberhausen, Germany.