Boxing and kickboxing specialists collide when Oleksandr Usyk and Rico Verhoeven face off at the pyramids of Giza this weekend.
Although Verhoeven is considered one of the most technically gifted kickboxers ever, he appears to be in over his head in just his second professional boxing match.
Read more in my Oleksandr Usyk vs. Rico Verhoeven predictions for Saturday, May 23.
Usyk vs Verhoeven prediction and pick
- My fight prediction: Usyk moneyline (-2500 at DraftKings)
- My best bet: Over 5.5 rounds (-125 at DraftKings)
Fight analysis
After a run of fights that culminated in becoming the undisputed heavyweight champion and cementing his place among the all-time greats, Oleksandr Usyk is taking a financially rewarding step back.
That is not meant as a slight toward Rico Verhoeven, but the reality is that this is only Verhoeven’s second professional boxing match, and he is stepping in against a consensus pound-for-pound legend.
Verhoeven is an agile fighter who works behind a high guard and prefers a measured, methodical pace. He is not a devastating puncher by heavyweight standards, having won five of his last six kickboxing bouts by decision and recording only 21 knockouts across 66 fights in his kickboxing career. His best weapon here is likely his right hand, which could find opportunities against the southpaw stance of Usyk.
Usyk has handled awkward, mobile fighters before and has routinely solved them through volume punching, movement, and precision counters. The former undisputed cruiserweight and heavyweight champion has absorbed clean shots from some of the hardest punchers in both divisions and consistently overwhelmed elite opposition with his body work and accuracy.
Even at 39 years old, Usyk would still be favored against nearly every heavyweight alive after decisive wins over Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury, and Daniel Dubois.
Verhoeven deserves credit for taking the challenge, but he is stepping outside of his comfort zone with limited boxing experience to suggest he can do much more than survive.
Best best analysis
This fight likely lasts only as long as Usyk allows it to.
Usyk should immediately pressure Verhoeven, using his jab to split the high guard while attacking the body and forcing the kickboxer to work at an uncomfortable pace.
Verhoeven’s toughness may buy him time, but by the middle rounds, Usyk’s pressure and volume will begin to break him down. With the O/U set at a generous 5.5 rounds, take the Over.
COVERS INTEL: By kickboxing standards, Verhoeven possesses a granite chin. He has only been stopped twice in 66 fights, with his last knockout loss coming in 2012.
Oleksandr Usyk vs Rico Verhoeven odds
| Method of victory | Oleksandr Usyk | Rico Verhoeven |
|---|---|---|
| Win outright | -2500 | +1100 |
| Win by KO/TKO | -600 | +1400 |
| Win by points or decision | +450 | +4000 |
| Draw | +3000 | +3000 |
Odds courtesy of DraftKings as of May 22.
Oleksandr Usyk vs Rico Verhoeven tale of the tape
| Usyk | Verhoeven | |
|---|---|---|
| 39 | Age | 37 |
| 6-foot-3 | Height | 6-foot-5 |
| Heavyweight | Weight Class | Heavyweight |
| 78 inches | Reach | 77 inches |
| 24-0 | Record | 1-0 |
| 15 | Wins by KO | 1 |
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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