Oleksandr Usyk vs Rico Verhoeven: Teddy Atlas breaks it down

On May 23, at the Pyramids of Giza, Oleksandr Usyk vs Rico Verhoeven is set to headline the next Ring fight card, in a fight few would have predicted for 2026. The fight has attracted controversy, with uncertainty over which governing bodies would sanction the bout. The entire card will stream live on DAZN Pay-Per-View.

Ahead of the main event, respected boxing trainer and commentator Teddy Atlas has broken the fight down via The Ropes community.

Oleksandr Usyk vs Rico Verhoeven: The governing bodies clarify

The WBC changed their initial stance and confirmed the WBC heavyweight title would, in fact, be on the line. Initially, it was unclear what stance the IBF and WBA would take. 

“Should Usyk emerge victorious, the bout will officially count as a successful title defence,” the WBA said.

“However, the title itself will not be at stake for Verhoeven, as he is currently not ranked by the sanctioning body.

“If the champion were to lose, the WBA championship committee would then review his status and determine the next course of action regarding the heavyweight championship.”

The WBA also confirmed that Verhoeven would be eligible to enter its heavyweight rankings, should he become the first fighter to upset the mercurial Ukrainian.

The IBF has also confirmed: “If Usyk loses on May 23, 2026, the IBF Heavyweight title will be declared vacant immediately.”

Teddy Atlas breaks down Oleksandr Usyk vs Rico Verhoeven

Looking at the multitude of attributes Usyk has at his disposal, Atlas wrote:

“Southpaw, full package. All around. Technically solid. Good hand speed and great legs, and mobility. Defensively solid. Goes well to the body. Jab sets everything up. Can lead or counter. Very good at setting traps and countering. Great chin and heart. One possible Achilles heel – has been hurt to the body. He can beat Verhoeven with jab-combinations when he covers up in a shell or by countering him as he throws, or going to his body. His choice.”

Looking at the Verhoeven who enters this fight as a massive underdog, Atlas summarised that Verhoeven will look for the straight right and left to Usyk’s body. Atlas wrote:

“Nothing offensively or defensively that will allow him to stay with Usyk unless Usyk carries him. I can see body shots getting to him or a counter as he comes forward, throwing.”

Revealing his prediction, Atlas said:

“Rico gets stopped if Usyk is serious. No real way to know if he is or will look to ‘work’ with him like a sparring session.”

Oleksandr Usyk vs Rico Verhoeven full fight card

• Oleksandr Usyk vs Rico Verhoeven
• Hamzah Sheeraz vs Alem Begic
• Shakhram Giyasov vs Jack Catterall
• Frank Sanchez vs Richard Torrez Jr.
• Mizuki Hiruta vs Mai Soliman
• Daniel Lapin vs Benjamin Mendes Tani
• Basem Mamdouh vs Jamar Talley
• Sultan Almohammed vs Dedy Imprax
• Mohamed Mabrouk Yehya vs Michael Kalyala
• Omar Hikal vs Ali Sserunkuma

Stay with Big Fight Weekend for coverage of Oleksandr Usyk vs Rico Verhoeven, including results and video highlights, and post-fight analysis.