Hearn Gives Verhoeven Slim Chance Against Usyk Ahead of Historic Egypt Showdown
Kickboxing sensation Rico Verhoeven is set to challenge undisputed heavyweight boxing champion Oleksandr Usyk at the Pyramids of Giza. Promoter Eddie Hearn, while acknowledging the monumental odds, suggests an upset could be one of boxing's greatest, as Verhoeven promises a unique challenge Usyk hasn't seen before.
Promoter Eddie Hearn has described Rico Verhoeven’s upcoming clash with undisputed heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk as a monumental challenge, while acknowledging that the Dutch kickboxing star possesses the physical tools to produce a major upset.
The bout is scheduled to take place at the foot of the Pyramids of Giza, creating one of the most unique settings in combat sports history and adding extra intrigue to an already high-profile event.
Speaking ahead of the fight, Hearn praised Usyk’s accomplishments, describing him as one of the finest fighters of his generation. The Ukrainian remains unbeaten and has established himself among boxing’s elite through victories over some of the sport’s biggest names.
Hearn admitted that, on paper, Verhoeven faces an uphill battle against a fighter of Usyk’s pedigree. However, he noted that the Dutchman’s success in professional kickboxing competition makes him far from a conventional challenger.
According to Hearn, a Verhoeven victory would rank among boxing’s greatest upsets, given Usyk’s dominance and status as a two-weight undisputed champion.
Verhoeven, meanwhile, remains confident that his unconventional background could create problems for the Ukrainian. At the final press conference in Cairo, he argued that Usyk has spent his career facing boxers, while he brings a different combat style and experience level.
The event has generated significant attention from both boxing and kickboxing audiences, with fans eager to see whether Verhoeven can defy expectations against one of the sport’s most accomplished champions.