Oleksandr Usyk is set to face Rico Verhoeven on May 23rd, where Usyk will put his WBC heavyweight title on the line, and a Ukrainian UFC fighter, fresh from winning the TUF championship, has confidently shared his forecast for the bout.
This particular fighter is Daniil Donchenko, currently gearing up for his fight against Andreas Gustafsson at UFC Baku on June 27th. Speaking about the current significant period for Ukrainian combat sports overall, and specifically regarding Usyk’s upcoming fight against Verhoeven this weekend, Donchenko commented [as reported by Bowks Talking Bouts],
“Indeed, I see Rico Verhoeven as merely another challenge for Oleksandr Usyk. Usyk will likely add his opponent’s victory to his existing achievements. Oleksandr, in my view, has already conquered all rivals in the boxing world. Now, this presents a novel and intriguing situation. A fresh face, a champion from kickboxing. He’s substantial, robust, and potent. However, let’s be realistic, their speed levels are not comparable. The quickness of hands in kickboxing versus boxing exhibits a distinct contrast.”
“Furthermore, when you observe Oleksandr’s movement and agility, he appears significantly more nimble. His footwork is exceptionally light. Therefore, to me, the outcome of who will emerge victorious is quite apparent. My primary interest in watching this match is to witness Oleksandr’s execution and strategy. This feels like a monumental occasion for all Ukrainian enthusiasts of combat sports, including martial arts and boxing – with Yaroslav [Amosov]’s triumph [at UFC 328], my upcoming fight, and Usyk’s battle… Consequently, this period appears to be a major era for Ukrainian MMA, boxing, and the entire combat sports scene. I am delighted to contribute to this moment.”
Oleksandr Usyk reaches his heaviest career weight prior to his heavyweight championship defense against Rico Verhoeven
The showdown between Oleksandr Usyk and Rico Verhoeven is scheduled for Saturday, set against the backdrop of the Giza pyramids. This event, hosted in Egypt, stipulates that Usyk will relinquish his WBA and IBF championships should he be defeated. The rationale for this is that these governing bodies do not acknowledge this contest as a unified title bout, owing to the significant difference in competitive experience evident in each fighter’s respective boxing histories.
Even though the athlete, who has attained undisputed champion status across several weight classes, recorded his heaviest weight to date, Usyk still appeared considerably smaller than his opponent. The reigning champion officially weighed 233.3 pounds, and Oleksandr Usyk is now prepared to exhibit his abilities live on DAZN’s pay-per-view broadcast. Rico Verhoeven’s weight registered at 258.7 pounds, exceeding Usyk’s mark by more than 25 pounds, establishing the esteemed kickboxer as the larger combatant.
The concluding pre-fight arrangements are now completed, and only a few hours remain until Usyk and Verhoeven engage in their contest for the WBC championship, set before an iconic global landmark.
