Tom Aspinall’s bold claim: The surprising way Rico Verhoeven could dethrone Oleksandr Usyk

Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images Why Tom Aspinall isn’t giving up on Rico Verhoeven before Usyk fight Tom Aspinall isn’t ready to count out his long-time sparring partner ahead of what’s being billed as one of the most one-sided fights of 2026. Rico Verhoeven, who has spent a decade training with the UFC heavyweight champion, is preparing for a big crossover bout against boxing superstar Oleksandr Usyk. The ‘King of Kickboxing’ is stepping into a different sport to face one of boxing’s best in Usyk this Saturday night, but he’s still undefeated in his own discipline.

Despite the overwhelming odds against Verhoeven, Aspinall believes there’s more to this matchup than people realise. While speaking to talkSPORT, he explained why he thinks his old teammate shouldn’t be written off so quickly. Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images Tom Aspinall tells Rico Verhoeven to stay unpredictable Tom Aspinall gets why Oleksandr Usyk is the clear favourite over Rico Verhoeven.

Even so, the UFC heavyweight thinks an upset isn’t out of the question, pointing to Verhoeven’s size and unpredictable style as factors that could make a difference. “I’ve been sparring Rico for 10 years,” Aspinall said on the Fight Your Corner podcast. “I know him well, and I’m lucky enough to say he’s a friend of mine.

I think anyone has got a chance, but Usyk is on another level. Just because Rico is my friend, doesn’t mean I’m gonna sit on here on a podcast and lie about it – he’s up against it. “I think anyone can win in combat sports.