An unusual showdown. Oleksandr Usyk to face kickboxer Rico Verhoeven
Miguel Solomons
Dailysports's expert
Ukrainian boxing star Oleksandr Usyk has chosen his next opponent — and it is not a fellow boxer, but a kickboxer.
Details: The Ring magazine has announced that the Ukrainian will step into the ring against Rico Verhoeven. The bout is scheduled for Saturday, 23 May, in Egypt.
Quote: “Legends collide where legends were made. On May 23, under the shadow of the ancient giants, Oleksandr Usyk will face Rico Verhoeven beside the iconic Pyramids of Giza,” the statement reads.
The WBC heavyweight title will be on the line. Verhoeven has had one professional boxing bout and one mixed martial arts fight. Oleksandr Usyk remains unbeaten in professional boxing with a record of 24–0 (15 knockouts). He is the reigning WBC, WBA and IBF heavyweight world champion.
Reminder: Ukrainian heavyweight world champion Oleksandr Usyk recently sparked fresh debate about his political future, effectively confirming that he harbours ambitions of leading the country one day.
