Footage shows Rico Verhoeven sparring Tyson Fury before Usyk title fight
Unseen footage has emerged of kickboxing star Rico Verhoeven sparring with Tyson Fury, ahead of the Dutchman’s shock world title fight against Oleksandr Usyk.
The video captures the pair training together in 2015 as Fury prepared for his historic victory over Wladimir Klitschko.
Verhoeven was brought into the camp to help the Morecambe heavyweight get ready for the bout that would define his career.
A transition to the sweet science
Verhoeven established himself as the premier heavyweight in kickboxing during a dominant reign in the Glory promotion.
The Dutch fighter recently vacated his title to pursue a surprise challenge for Usyk’s WBC heavyweight belt.
It represents a monumental step up for the kickboxer, who is entering only his second professional boxing match.
He faces a daunting task against the undefeated Ukrainian, who has previously held undisputed status at both cruiserweight and heavyweight.
The Peter Fury connection
The archival footage highlights the long-standing relationship between Verhoeven and the Fury family.
Peter Fury, who masterminded his nephew’s win over Klitschko in Germany, will train Verhoeven for the upcoming clash with Usyk.
The respected coach has previously spoken about refining the kickboxer’s technical skills during their sessions in Bolton.
Sharing the ring with the 6ft 9in Briton provided Verhoeven with vital experience in boxing footwork and range management.
“Every time he comes over and helps with sparring we just brush him up with a bit of technical stuff and some boxing skills.”
Peter Fury
While Usyk represents a completely different stylistic challenge to Fury, the experience confirms Verhoeven has traded blows with the division’s elite.
