‘I’m here to take over’: Rico Verhoeven plans to continue boxing after Oleksandr Usyk fight
Rico Verhoeven has immense confidence in himself heading into this weekend’s fight.
CAIRO, EGYPT - MAY 20: Rico Verhoeven poses for a photo during the Glory in Giza Grand Arrivals Launch Party ahead of his heavyweight fight against Oleksandr Usyk at Khoufo Restaurant on May 20, 2026 in Cairo, Egypt. (Photo by Mohamed Hossam/Getty Images) | Getty Images Rico Verhoeven get his chance to shoot straight to the top of heavyweight boxing this weekend when he takes on champion Oleksandr Usyk in Egypt. Talking to iFL TV following today’s final press conference, here’s some of what he had to say about the momentous occasion.
Rico on whether it has sunk in that he’s soon to be facing a generational talent in Usyk “I think it sunk in quite a while ago, and then with the first face off I thought ‘it’s happening. ’ And God forbid after that first face off something can always happen, you never know what life throws at you but we’re here now, few days out. So we’re super close.
” On if he’s ever had this level of media spotlight for a fight “In my fights? No. The sport of kickboxing is big but not as big as the sport of boxing, especially at an event like this, such a historical event is insane.
It’s out of this world. So I’m not sure if it’s ever going to be done again in front of the pyramids. ” On if he plans to continue boxing regardless of this weekend’s outcome “Yeah, most definitely…I’m not here to take part, I’m here to take over.