Oleksandr Usyk to make heavyweight world title defence against kickboxing star
If you thought the Floyd Mayweather vs. Manny Pacquiao rematch announcement was going to be the weirdest thing you heard this week, think again: Oleksandr Usyk (24-0, 15 KOs) is now scheduled to take on Rico Verhoeven (1-0, 1 KO).
The bout will headline a Ring magazine card at the Giza pyramid complex in Egypt on May 23. Fight fans around the world will be able to catch the action live on DAZN. It has not yet been specified whether the event will be part of the DAZN subscription or a separate pay-per-view (PPV). Although Usyk holds the WBA and IBF heavyweight world titles, only his WBC strap will be at stake.
The announcement was made via press release on Friday by The Ring. Verhoeven made his name as a kickboxer, a sport in which he has a record of 66-10 with 21 wins by knockout. He has had one professional boxing bout. That was all the way back in 2014 in Germany against Janos Finfera, a Hungarian who had never won a boxing fight. Verhoeven will be up against it when he fights Usyk, a boxer with the distinction of being undisputed at cruiserweight and heavyweight.
Oleksandr Usyk and Rico Verhoeven press release statements
“I truly respect people who reach the very top in their sport,” said Usyk in the press release. “Rico is one of them — a powerful athlete and a great champion. Being a champion isn’t just about belts. It’s about years of hard work, discipline, and belief. I respect his journey — he’s truly the King of Kickboxing. But this is boxing — a different game, with its own rules and its own kings. I’m ready and really looking forward to meeting him in the ring. It’s going to be a unique experience for both of us, and I know the fans are excited too. A big night is coming!”
“I spent twelve years as the undisputed heavyweight kickboxing champion and accomplished everything I set out to accomplish,” said Verhoeven in the same press release. “But staying at the top for that long didn’t take away the hunger, it strengthened it. I wasn’t looking for comfort, so I started looking for the highest challenge available in another world. Usyk is undisputed [sic] in boxing. That’s the kind of challenge that motivates me. Undisputed versus undisputed. The best facing the best.”
What to expect from Oleksandr Usyk vs. Rico Verhoeven
The WBC world title will be at stake, which means that Usyk-Verhoeven will be a sanctioned 12-round heavyweight contest. Details regarding tickets and undercard “will be announced in due course,” according to the press release. It is hard to see how this fight could be competitive. Verhoeven may be an accomplished kickboxer, but under professional boxing rules should struggle against someone like Usyk. The Ukrainian, despite nearing the age of 40, is still among the best boxers in the world. If you prefer spectacle over competitive fights, then this is for you.
Featured Image Credit:
Ring Magazine X
S Saadeq Ahmed
Currently writing out of Toronto, Canada, Saadeq first became a boxing fan while living in Doha, Qatar. Looking to become more involved in the sport, he began writing about boxing and has had work published in outlets such as Seconds Out and Boxing Social. He looks forward to continue covering boxing on Big Fight Weekend.