Oleksandr Usyk defends WBC title against kickboxing champion Rico Verhoeven
Unified heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk will defend his WBC title against Dutch kickboxing superstar Rico Verhoeven in a highly anticipated crossover bout on 23 May.
The Ukrainian titleholder faces an unusual challenge as his opponent transitions from a decade of dominance in the Glory kickboxing promotion.
Verhoeven has only competed in one professional boxing bout prior to securing this unexpected championship opportunity.
Crossover challenge sparks debate
British bantamweight world titlist Jonathan Haggerty believes the challenger has earned his shot despite the monumental task ahead.
“He’s been a champion for years, undefeated,” Haggerty said.
“He’s just a beast of a guy really. He goes in there, demolishes people.”
The ONE Championship star acknowledged that fighting the best heavyweight on the planet will be incredibly difficult for the kickboxing specialist.
“I don’t think he’s got a chance really. Usyk’s the best in the world for a reason.”
Physicality against technical mastery
At 39 years old, the defending champion is entering the final stages of his illustrious career.
The younger Dutch challenger will attempt to use his significant physical advantages to disrupt the rhythm of the master technician.
Expert boxing trainer Peter Fury has been enlisted to help prepare the kickboxing legend for this unprecedented world title attempt.
“He is a unit, so Usyk’s just going to have to move,” Haggerty advised.
“Get stuck in, make it uncomfortable.”
Boxing world reacts
Former WBO cruiserweight champion Chris Billam-Smith expects the technical gap between the two disciplines to be the deciding factor.
“It’s two different sports and I’d be surprised if Usyk doesn’t handily beat him,” Billam-Smith noted.
The veteran fighter admitted that while the matchup is unorthodox, it provides the kind of unique storyline that continually draws fans to the sport.
Having previously dismantled giants like Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury, the former undisputed cruiserweight king possesses a proven track record of neutralising larger opponents.
Former world champion Richie Woodhall praised the southpaw’s exceptional ability to counter-punch while maintaining relentless forward pressure.
