Anthony Joshua makes prediction for Oleksandr Usyk’s fight with Rico Verhoeven
Joshua has been training with former opponent Usyk in recent months, ahead of the Ukrainian’s duel with kickboxer Verhoeven at the pyramids
Anthony Joshua has suggested that Rico Verhoeven has a “single-figure percentage chance” of beating Oleksandr Usyk , echoing the thoughts of Eddie Hearn. At the pyramids of Giza on Saturday , unified heavyweight champion Usyk will defend the WBC title against Verhoeven, who is one of the greatest kickboxers of all time – but who has boxed professionally just once . Verhoeven, whose sole boxing match was a knockout win in 2014, is naturally a huge underdog against Usyk, who is unbeaten as a professional.
Usyk is also a former two-time undisputed heavyweight champion, a one-time undisputed cruiserweight champion, and an Olympic gold medalist. Anthony Joshua (left) during his second loss to Oleksandr Usyk, in 2022 (PA) Among his 24 pro wins are two points victories over Joshua, who recently befriended the Ukrainian and trained with him in Kyiv . “So, what are we saying for this weekend, then?
” Joshua asked Matchroom executives Hearn and Frank Smith in a DAZN video. “What’s the predictions, what’s it looking like? ” “I think this is the biggest mountain to climb for Rico Verhoeven,” said Hearn, who promotes Joshua.
“I believe that... Listen, I can’t disrespect him, because he’s an unbelievable competitor, he’s a great athlete, he can punch. “But I have to say: I would be astonished if he wins – respectfully.