The Ukrainian champion has already cleaned out much of the heavyweight division. He defeated Anthony Joshua twice. He defeated Tyson Fury twice. He defeated Daniel Dubois twice. He claimed the undisputed championship, twice, and has spent years proving that skill, intelligence and discipline can overcome size.

Now the debate surrounding his next move is no longer about what he can accomplish. It is about what he should accomplish.

Two options stand above the rest. One is mandatory challenger Agit Kabayel. The other is a rematch with kickboxing superstar Rico Verhoeven.

Both fights have merit. Both would generate significant interest. But they represent completely different visions for the final stretch of Usyk's hall-of-fame career.

The traditional boxing argument begins and ends with one word. Merit.

Kabayel, The Ring's No. 2 heavyweight, has earned his position. The unbeaten German contender has steadily climbed the rankings while many of the division's bigger names stumbled or disappeared from contention. He has built his reputation through activity, consistency and impressive performances against dangerous opponents. Most importantly, he is the mandatory challenger.

Champions often speak about wanting to face the best available opposition. Kabayel has put himself directly in that conversation through his performances.

At 33 years old, he represents the next generation of heavyweight contenders trying to take the throne from the established king.

For Usyk, beating Kabayel would further strengthen one of the best résumés in the current era of heavyweight boxing. There would be no accusations of cherry-picking. No accusations of avoiding a dangerous challenger. No debates about legitimacy. It would simply be another elite heavyweight title defense against a deserving contender.

There is also genuine danger attached to the fight. Kabayel is younger. He is naturally larger. He possesses skill, relentless pressure and a solid work rate. At this point in Usyk's career, that alone creates intrigue.

For boxing purists, Kabayel is the obvious answer.

Then there is the alternative. The rematch with Verhoeven.

If their first encounter proved anything, it is that crossover fights can become legitimate global attractions when the right personalities are involved.

Verhoeven remains one of the most recognizable combat sports athletes in Europe. His success in kickboxing has created a fan base that extends far beyond boxing's traditional audience.

His stardom exploded after putting in a very competitive performance against Usyk. Many observers had him well ahead on the scorecards when the contest was controversially stopped at the end of the eleventh round.

The appeal is obvious. The first fight generated attention because fans wanted to see whether the world's most dominant kickboxer could compete with one of boxing's greatest technicians — and the fight lived up to the hype and then some.

A rematch would carry a different storylines and variables. Now there would be history. Questions left unanswered. Adjustments to make. A chance for Verhoeven to secure justice and display what he learned from the first encounter. A chance for Usyk to reinforce his pound-for-pound status and solidify the gap between elite boxing and every other combat sport.

From a business standpoint, the fight could be enormous. It would likely attract crossover fans, international media coverage and mainstream attention that few heavyweight fights can currently generate.

At 39 years old, Usyk may also be looking at opportunities that maximize event value rather than competitive necessity. That is not criticism — it is the reality of the sport. Most all-time great fighters eventually reach a point where legacy and entertainment begin to intersect.

What Matters Most? The answer ultimately depends on what Usyk values at this stage of his career.

If his priority is strengthening his championship legacy, Kabayel should be next. The mandatory challenger has earned his shot, presents a legitimate threat and offers another opportunity for Usyk to add a meaningful heavyweight victory to an already historic résumé. Usyk also avoids the scenario of being stripped of his WBC world title.

If his priority is creating another global event that sizzles from the controversial ending of the first encounter, Verhoeven becomes a very compelling option.

One fight satisfies the sport, but the other satisfies the spectacle. The fascinating reality is that Usyk has reached a place few fighters ever achieve. He no longer needs any fight. He gets to choose the ending.

Whether that ending includes the dangerous mandatory challenger or a blockbuster rematch with Rico Verhoeven may ultimately determine how the final chapter of his story is written.