Rico Verhoeven is set to jump straight back in at the deep end after his valiant display against Oleksandr Usyk.

The Dutch kickboxing legend opened up as a monumental underdog against Usyk in May, yet he was able to cause the lineal heavyweight champion serious problems before he was controversially stopped in the eleventh stanza.

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His stock rose tenfold in the aftermath of his impressive performance, with the 37-year-old garnering multiple lucrative offers.

There had been talk of him fighting WBC heavyweight champion Agit Kabayel for a time, while a bout with fellow countryman Alistair Overeem was also in the running.

But it now seems that Verhoeven's most likely next step is a blockbuster showdown with Deontay Wilder on the Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua undercard on December 11.

Verhoeven in talks to fight Wilder

Confirming the talks during an appearance on talkSPORT's White and Jordan show on Thursday lunchtime, Verhoeven said: "After that fight [with Usyk], we got a bunch of offers from all different sides and directions, so that was good to see.

"We slowly took everything in and took a look at all the offers and opponents, and I've decided I am going to stay in boxing.

"We got an offer for the December 11 card.

"I can't confirm just yet [that I will be on the card].

"What I can confirm is that they offered me a fight with Deontay Wilder, and I said yes.

"Of course, the details still need to be talked about. I'm waiting on the response.

"So if there is a yes from the other side, then it is going to happen."

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A change of plans for Wilder

The development comes after it was reported that a bout between Wilder and cruiserweight king Jai Opetaia was being explored for the Fury-Joshua undercard in Cardiff.

It remains to be seen where that fight stands after Verhoeven's announcement.

For Wilder, the opportunity arises after a collapse in negotiations with Oleksandr Usyk.

The Ukrainian slickster had been due to box Wilder in his last dance, targeted for March next year.

However, esteemed boxing journalist Dan Rafael reports that discussions are now "dead in the water".

While former WBC heavyweight champion Wilder was once considered to be the most feared puncher of his generation, he has looked like a shadow of his former self since his punishing trilogy with Fury.

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The 40-year-old recently bounced back from losing four of his last five fights to record consecutive wins over Tyrrell Herndon and Derek Chisora.

However, neither performance was particularly impressive.

Even though Verhoeven has only boxed twice as a professional (1-1), the odds are likely to be much closer than they first appear on paper, especially after the Dutchman's last outing.

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