“It’s history time,” said heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk at the final press conference before his fight in front of the Pyramids in Egypt on Saturday.

“We had the first face off in front of the pyramids and it was, ‘Wow, this is amazing,’” Usyk added.

Usyk thanked Saudi boxing powerbroker Turki Alalshikh and said he was ‘happy.’ Of his opponent, Dutch kickboxer Rico Verhoeven, he noted, “I respect all my rivals but it’s a hard sport.”

Verhoeven's Preparedness

Verhoeven, preparing for just his second professional boxing match, expressed excitement about the historical significance of the event: “Me and Oleksandr are a small part of that history with us headlining the main event on this card… I feel blessed, excited, I’ve put everything I have into this. I can’t wait for Saturday night.”

Verhoeven has been training with veteran boxing coach Peter Fury, who has been part of his camp for years.

“He’s a special individual, he’s an incredible athlete,” Peter Fury said of Verhoeven. “This has been a six-month training camp… and whatever the outcome is, it is. I think he’s going to surprise a few people as well. He’s definitely impressed me on the lead up to this, in fight week… He’s totally relaxed and super happy. We’re just looking forward to an incredible display and an incredible night.”

Preparation on Both Sides

Sergey Lapin, in Usyk’s corner, commented: “We’ve worked hard the last three months. We know this guy is very strong, strong and big… and I know he’s had a very strong camp. Peter Fury is a very smart man.”

The fight promises to be an event that will be remembered in boxing history, with both fighters expressing respect and excitement for the challenge ahead.