Usyk is set to fight Verhoeven for the WBC title
Oleksandr Usyk steps into the ring today against Rico Verhoeven in a bout for the WBC heavyweight world title. The fight will take place in Giza and promises to be one of the most high-profile matches of the Ukrainian’s career. The Ring title belt is also on the line.
WBO, WBA, and IBO world boxing champion Oleksandr Usyk will face Dutch fighter Rico Verhoeven on Saturday, May 23. Verhoeven is well-known in the world of kickboxing and has long held the status of one of the strongest heavyweight contenders in the Glory promotion.
The bout will take place in Giza, Egypt, and is already drawing significant attention, as several titles are on the line—the WBC heavyweight championship belt and the prestigious The Ring belt. The opponents enter the fight with different physical attributes and experience: Usyk, who is 39, weighed in at a personal record of 105.8 kg, while 37-year-old Verhoeven weighed in at 117.3 kg, making him heavier and more powerful in the eyes of many analysts.
Despite this, the Ukrainian champion remains the favorite thanks to his technique, speed, and experience in major title fights, while his opponent is known for his aggressive style and powerful punch.
Organizers expect high viewership for the broadcast, and the fight itself will be shown live around midnight on the Kyivstar TV platform, so Ukrainian fans will be able to follow Usyk’s performance in real time.
The bout between Oleksandr Usyk and Rico Verhoeven is scheduled for May 23, but the exact time of the Ukrainian’s entrance into the ring is being pushed back later and later due to a packed undercard. The fight between Oleksandr Usyk and Rico Verhoeven is scheduled for May 23, but the exact time of the Ukrainian’s entrance into the ring is being pushed back further and further due to a packed undercard.
Prior to this, Usyk and Verhoeven held a joint pre-fight press conference and another stare-down, where they openly expressed respect for one another but also their readiness for a tough fight. Both athletes emphasized that despite their different disciplines, they are united by a love of combat and competition.
The fight is expected to be broadcast in Ukraine by Kyivstar TV, and the bout itself is already being called one of the most intriguing matchups between representatives of different fighting styles in recent years.
Usyk willface Rico Verhoeven; here’s what we know about the kickboxer.
Usyk showed a promotional video for the fight with Verhoeven ahead of the bout.
Usyk has completedhis preparations for the fight against Verhoeven.
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