Can Verhoeven Cause a Sensation Against Usyk in Cairo?

Oleksandr Usyk has built a reputation as one of the greatest “guest fighters” in boxing history. During his journey to absolute titles in the cruiserweight category and then in heavyweight, Usyk has always been willing to travel to secure the most significant battles in the sport.

Usyk vs Verhoeven: A Unique Match

This Saturday night, “Usyk’s show” is set to make its most dramatic stop yet, as he defends his heavyweight world title against the backdrop of the ancient pyramids in Giza, Egypt, at The Ring’s “Glory in Giza.” However, this is no ordinary bout, as Usyk steps out of the usual heavyweight contenders list to face kickboxing king Rico Verhoeven — a man who has been equally dominant in his discipline.

The Dutchman has only one boxing match on his record — a second-round knockout against Janos Finfer in April 2014. Since then, he has exclusively focused on kickboxing, where he has gone undefeated for 11 years. Despite this impressive record, many do not give Verhoeven a chance in a boxing match where the titles of The Ring and WBC are on the line against one of the best heavyweights of all time. But can 37-year-old Verhoeven pull off a sensation for the ages?

The Fight Under the Pyramids

“Listen, he only has one boxing fight, but he has been undefeated in kickboxing for many years and has a lot of combat experience, to put it mildly,” said Usyk. “You can never know everything about your opponent, even if they have many boxing matches. There is always something new. This is a true fight for me. I have prepared for it just as I would for any serious match.”

“My strength is that I am different,” Verhoeven said. “I think he has ruined boxing to another level. So he knows exactly — if you do this, then follows that. But I am a kickboxer and I think that will be the biggest difference. Especially with the weight difference — once I find him, yes, he will feel it. There will be at least 20 kg difference. I fully understand the whole situation and the dynamics we are in. He is like an unbeatable man. What opportunity do I have to show that he is not quite unbeatable.”

The card features massive bouts in what might be the best undercard of the year. In the super-welterweight category, Hamza Shiraz and Alem Begic will fight for the vacant WBO title, last held by Terence Crawford.

Jake Catterall faces undefeated Shahram Ghasimov for a chance to launch himself into even bigger fights in the 147-pound category.

In the super-bantamweight category, The Ring’s “Boxer of the Year” 2025 Miku Kihara will defend her The Ring and WBO titles against Egyptian-born challenger Mai Soliman, who is on a nine-fight winning streak.

While the heavyweight crown will be on the line in the main event, contenders Richard Torres Jr. and Frank Sanchez will clash in a 12-round match to decide who will take the next step toward their own chance at a world title.

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Photos: Imago