Usyk to face Verhoeven in May

Oleksandry Usyk is billed to face Rico Verhoeven this May. The two-time undisputed heavyweight champion has not fought since his July victory over Daniel Dubois, winning the IBF title along the way. 

Initially, it was announced that the WBC title would be on the line for this fight, but an update by the WBC president, Mauricio Sulaiman, has cast doubt on that.

After his July fixture, Usyk made it clear that he was not in a hurry to choose his next opponent, as his priority was to rest. 

This came after back-to-back victories against Tyson Fury, before the Dubois fixture. The undefeated fighter chose to vacate the IBF title rather than face the mandatory challenger. 

Verhoeven is a name not many boxing fans will be familiar with, but the Dutchman is a legend in kickboxing circles. 

For over a decade, he held the Glory heavyweight title, recording some impressive statistics along the way. 

His professional record in the sport stands at 66 wins out of 76 encounters, going back to 2005. 

Although the 36-year-old only has one professional boxing outing, which he won, he seems pretty confident in taking down Usyk and winning the belt. According to him, the Ukrainian represents the type of challenge he expects at his level. 

He said, “I spent 12 years as the undisputed heavyweight kickboxing champion and accomplished everything I set out to accomplish. But staying at the top for that long didn’t take away the hunger; it strengthened it. I wasn’t looking for comfort, so I started looking for the highest challenge available in another world.

“Usyk is undisputed in boxing. That’s the kind of challenge that motivates me. Undisputed versus undisputed. The best facing the best.”

For Usyk, it’s all about respect. But as much as he appreciates Verhoeven’s journey, boxing is a different landscape where he, Usyk, rules as king: “I truly respect people who reach the very top in their sport. Rico is one of them – a powerful athlete and a great champion. 

“I respect his journey – he’s truly the ‘King of Kickboxing’. But this is boxing – a different game, with its own rules and its own kings. I’m ready and really looking forward to meeting him in the ring.”