Rico Verhoeven: I'm bring something Oleksandr Usyk hasn't seen before
Rico Verhoeven believes he can throw off boxing champion Oleksandr Usyk with his kickboxing experience ahead of Saturday's clash in Giza.
Many have tried, and all have failed against Oleksandr Usyk in the boxing ring. Usyk, considered one of the greatest boxers to ever live, has fought professionally 24 times and has had his hand raised 24 times. Usyk cemented his place in boxing history, becoming the first undisputed heavyweight champion in the "four-belt era" and the first in 24 years, with a 2023 win over British star Tyson Fury.
Now, Usyk is taking on an unusual challenge. He's not fighting another boxing champion or contender. The Ukrainian defends his WBC heavyweight title against Glory Kickboxing heavyweight champion Rico Verhoeven this Saturday in front of the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt.
Although many might see the bout as a spectacle and a mismatch on paper due to Verhoeven's limited experience in boxing, Verhoeven actually sees that as an advantage and a reason to believe he's the one to take the undefeated Usyk. "I'm bringing something he hasn't seen before because he's only faced boxers," Verhoeven said at Thursday's Usyak vs. Verhoeven press conference.
"They've been boxing their whole life, and I haven't. It's just like a whole different approach. Like you said, it's God's will, so let's see on Saturday.