Oleksandr Usyk vs. Rico Verhoeven press conference quotes and fight prediction

Oleksandr Usyk (24-0, 15 KOs) will soon put his WBA and WBC heavyweight world titles on the line against Rico Verhoeven (1-0, 1 KO).

Their bout headlines a Ring magazine card at the Giza pyramid complex in Egypt. Fight fans around the world can catch the action live as a pay-per-view with DAZN. Note: The Ring magazine is owned by Turki Al-Sheikh, chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority.

Usyk and Verhoeven both spoke at a press conference on Thursday. Below is some of what they had to say.

Oleksandr Usyk vs. Rico Verhoeven press conference quotes

Oleksandr Usyk

“I respect all my rivals because I know how [it] is,” said Usyk. “Who [trains] boxing, kickboxing, wrestling, you know its amazing guys and the crazy guys [who do it]. I respect all my rivals, but it’s [a] hard sport.”

“Now it’s only words. This is press conference and we speak a lot, but my language will be in [the] ring. Maybe it’s possible [for Verhoeven to bring something I have not seen], maybe it’s not. We’ll see. It’s God’s will.”

Rico Verhoeven

“The beautiful country of Egypt already brings so much history with it and then being so close to they pyramids that have been here for thousands of years and now we’re in 2026 and still Egypt is writing history and me and Oleksandr are a small part of that history with headlining this main event on this card,” said Verhoeven. “So that’s why I say I feel so thankful…”

“I’m bring something [that] he hasn’t seen before because he only face boxers and they’ve been boxing their whole life and I haven’t. So, it’s just like a whole different approach and like he said, it’s God’s will. So, we’ll see on Saturday. May the best man win.”

Fight prediction

From Big Fight Weekend’s Ricky Carroll: There is no doubting Verhoeven’s achievements in kickboxing, but he is taking on arguably the greatest heavyweight boxer this generation has ever seen. He will look to utilise his reach advantage and work off his jab, keeping Usyk at bay. Verhoeven should bring his high guard over to boxing and won’t leave himself open.

Usyk is the master mover. His slick footwork enables him to create angles and avoid attacks. Usyk’s footwork is excellent, keeping his opponent guessing and wearing them out as the fight progresses. The Ukrainian is a brilliant combination puncher, and this, with his elite footwork, will wear Verhoeven down and lead to a stoppage win for Usyk in the second half of the fight.

Full press conference

For the press conference in its entirety, click here or the play button below. Video courtesy of Matchroom Boxing.