Usyk Faces Verhoeven in Boxing-Kickboxing Crossover
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- Oleksandr Usyk holds the WBC heavyweight title and will defend it against Rico Verhoeven on May 23, 2026, despite Verhoeven’s background in kickboxing rather than professional boxing.
- Rico Verhoeven is the dominant heavyweight kickboxer in Glory with over a decade of dominance, but has only one prior boxing bout before challenging Usyk.
- Jonathan Haggerty supports Verhoeven’s crossover attempt, calling him a 'beast' who 'demolishes people,' but acknowledges Usyk is the best in the world and unlikely to lose.
- Richie Woodhall identifies Usyk as the best front-foot counter-puncher in years, emphasizing his circular movement, ring control, and ability to avoid the ropes against bigger fighters.
- Amir Khan describes Usyk’s movement and punching as 'like water,' noting his unusual training drills focused on footwork, vision, and mental preparation that make sparring look effortless.
- Chris Billam-Smith expresses skepticism about Verhoeven’s chances, stating it’s a 'wild' boxing storyline but expects Usyk to win handily due to the vast difference between the sports.
Why it matters: Usyk’s upcoming fight against a top kickboxer tests the limits of cross-discipline combat sports credibility, where his proven ringcraft and footwork give him a decisive edge over a physically strong but inexperienced boxer, reinforcing boxing’s technical demands even at heavyweight. This elevates Usyk’s status among the sport’s elite.
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