The most effective boxer on the planet has a date and opponent for his next fight.
Oleksandr Usyk hasn’t fought since knocking out Daniel Dubois to grow to be the undisputed heavyweight champion for a second time in July 2025.
Since then, the 24-0 Ukrainian has been targeting a mouthwatering clash with Deontay Wilder.
‘The Bronze Bomber’ decided to fight Derek Chisora as a substitute, so Usyk has picked an opponent out of left field for his return to the ring.
- LATEST NEWS: Oleksandr Usyk called ‘average’ as boxing legend eviscerates modern heavyweights
Oleksandr Usyk to fight Rico Verhoeven
Rico Verhoeven was confirmed to be Oleksandr Usyk’s next opponent on Friday.
The legendary kickboxer walked away from his first sport after a dominant win at Glory 100 in June 2025.
Now, he’s set to fight Usyk for the WBC Heavyweight world title in Egypt on May 23.
“I spent twelve years because the undisputed heavyweight kickboxing champion and completed all the pieces I set out to perform,” Verhoeven said in a press release. “But staying at the highest for that long didn’t take away the hunger, it strengthened it.”
Usyk was respectful but realistic while reacting to his clash with Verhoeven for the primary time.
“I really respect individuals who reach the very top of their sport. Rico is one in every of them — a strong athlete and a fantastic champion,” he said “Being a champion isn’t nearly belts. It’s about years of labor, discipline, and belief.
“I respect his journey — he’s truly the King of Kickboxing. But that is boxing — a special game, with its own rules and its own kings. I’m ready and really looking forward to meeting him within the ring. It’s going to be a novel experience for each of us, and I do know the fans are excited too. An enormous night is coming!”
What’s Rico Verhoeven’s boxing record?
Rico Verhoeven has amassed a 76-fight (66-10) kickboxing record to grow to be one in every of the best fighters the game has ever seen.
The 36-year-old knockout artist hasn’t had much time to succeed away from his chosen sport.
Verhoeven is 1-0 in skilled boxing, but hasn’t competed since his debut win 12 years ago.
The Dutch icon knocked out Janos Finfera inside two rounds after they fought in April 2014.
Since then, Verhoeven has only stepped away from kickboxing for an MMA fight one yr later.
That resulted in one other KO win, but Usyk is many levels above every opponent he has fought in any sport.
Verhoeven shall be a large underdog when he tries to take Usyk’s WBC belt later this yr.