Usyk's fight under threat? The boxer's team named its plan

Usyk's opponent Verhoeven is among the most titled kickboxers in the world.

Олександр Усик і Ріко Верховен / Фото: Getty Images

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The bout between the Ukrainian champion Oleksandr Usyk and the French kickboxer Rico Verhoeven will take place on May 23 in Giza (Egypt), the organizers report.

The fight was sanctioned by the WBC. Also, the WBA and IBF will count it as a title defense for Usyk. The winner of the bout will receive a special championship belt produced by the WBC. Separately, the "King of the Nile" belt is on the line.

Both boxers have already arrived in Egypt and held a face-off against the backdrop of the pyramids. The organizers call the event one of the largest boxing nights of the year due to the unique location.

Notably, Verhoeven is among the most titled kickboxers in the world. For over 11 years, he was the Glory heavyweight champion. He debuted in professional boxing in 2014, defeating Hungarian János Finfera by knockout in the second round, after which he returned to his kickboxing career.

Former world champion Tony Bellew spoke about the bout, stating that the Dutchman cannot be underestimated. He believes that he might surprise Usyk at the beginning with his unpredictability.

"If it were a kickboxing match, I tell you, it would not have been easy for Oleksandr. You wouldn't want to take a kick from him. Fortunately for Usyk, this is a boxing match. I think that after the first three or four rounds, when Oleksandr figures out this awkwardness, stance, and style, Rico could be in for a long night."

At the same time, Usyk's former opponent is convinced that there will be no underestimation on the Ukrainian's part and predicted his early victory.

The director of the Ukrainian's team, Serhiy Lapin, stated that Verhoeven is a physically strong and experienced fighter, but the team clearly understands his style, reports Sky Sports.

"Rico Verhoeven is a physically strong and experienced fighter. He is by no means a simple opponent. He is a powerful puncher for whom it is comfortable to go forward and engage in exchanges. But we clearly understand his style and strengths. It's not just about power, but about levels, timing, and ring intelligence".

At the same time, Lapin emphasized that the team expects an aggressive start from the Dutchman, but Usyk is supposedly ready for this:

"We expect him to start aggressively and try to use his physicality. But throughout his career, Oleksandr has dealt with much more difficult challenges, and we will be fully prepared for what Rico offers on May 23. Oleksandr has watched Rico Verhoeven's fights before; he is familiar with him. As for kickboxing, Oleksandr had some experience in this discipline at the beginning of his career. So he understands its specifics".

As a reminder, where to watch the Usyk-Verhoeven fight can be read here.

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