Rico Verhoeven warns Oleksandr Usyk about two of his advantages

Rico Verhoeven warns Oleksandr Usyk that is a 'big unit' and a 'puzzle' during launch press conference

Two-time undisputed heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk and kickboxing legend Rico Verhoeven faced-off for the first time in London last night as they look forward to their historic WBC Heavyweight World Title showdown at The Ring ‘Glory in Giza’ in Egypt on Saturday, May 23.

Taking place in front of the iconic Pyramid setting of one of the oldest Seven Wonders of the Ancient World – ‘Glory in Giza’ is broadcast live worldwide on DAZN, supported by Matchroom Boxing.

Usyk became the undisputed champion with two victories over Tyson Fury in Riyadh in 2024. He then became the unified heavyweight champ with an emphatic fifth-round KO of Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium last year.

Having fought in Ukraine, Germany, Poland, the USA, Latvia, Russia and the UK, the 39-year-old will compete in North Africa for the first time in his career.

Kickboxing legend Verhoeven, meanwhile, holds Glory records with the most wins in title bouts (14), the most consecutive title defences (13), the most victories (28), and the longest winning streak (27).

The Dutch giant has previously competed in MMA and professional boxing, winning his only fight in each sport by knockout.

And speaking at Tuesday’s launch press conference in London, Verhoeven – wearing the football shirt of Al Ahly – warned he expects the same result again on May 23.

“I’ve been dominating the sport of kickboxing for over a decade, facing the best, beating the very best,” said Verhoeven.

"But I don’t feel like I’m finished, I want to do something different. I am a puzzle that [Usyk] hasn’t solved yet, I’m a big unit, that’s something he’s going to feel.

"When I land my best punch, he will go down, he’s like a built-up cruiserweight, I’m a naturally born heavyweight.”

Usyk insisted he is not taking his preparations for his World Title defence lightly.

“I love boxing more than my wife,” said Usyk.

"Boxing is an instrument that has helped me meet my best friends. [Verhoeven] is a serious fighter, this is a serious fight, I’m preparing with 100% discipline and control. We will see.”

Matchroom Boxing’s Eddie Hearn expects the clash in Egypt to deliver a classic for fight fans.

“[Verhoeven] signed straight up to fight Oleksandar Usyk. What that tells you is that he has a huge amount of confidence and a huge amount of belief,” said Matchroom Sport Chairman, Hearn.

"What he has is dynamite in both hands and hands like shovels. But he is fighting not just the pound-for-pound No.1, but one of the greatest fighters across any generation in sport. Oleksandr Usyk is one of a kind.”

The stacked ‘Glory in Giza’ undercard features a series of high-stakes matchups, including a WBO Super Middleweight title match between the explosive Hamzah Sheeraz and Alem Begic. In the Welterweight division, Britain's Jack Catterall faces undefeated Uzbek sensation Shakhram Giyasov, whilst the powerful Mai Soliman fights Mizuki Hiruta for the WBO Women's Super Flyweight Title.

“This is going to be an absolute spectacle,“ said Rick Reeno, CEO of The Ring.

“We have the king of Heavyweight boxing versus the king of Heavyweight kickboxing. Two legacies. Two guys who are at the top of their game, going one-on-one in front of the Pyramids in Giza. It’s almost like a fantasy that will come to life.

“A lot of people say that Usyk is a big, overwhelming favourite – but, let’s be honest, he would be a big overwhelming favourite against anybody right now. And yet Rico presents a very dangerous challenge. He has built up an incredible legacy. He’s a legend. He will not get himself into a fight where he would embarrass himself or be utterly confident of victory.“