LONDON 15 April 2026 (The Capital Post) – Unified heavyweight boxing champion Oleksandr Usyk has defended his decision to face Dutch kickboxing star Rico Verhoeven, insisting the bout is a personal choice rather than one driven by external expectations.
Usyk, who holds multiple world titles, said he wanted to “do what I want” at this stage of his career after spending years following demands from promoters and the boxing industry. He described Verhoeven as a “dangerous opponent” despite the kickboxer having limited professional boxing experience.
The heavyweight champion will defend his WBC title against Verhoeven in a 12-round bout scheduled for 23 May in Egypt, in what is being billed as a historic crossover fight between boxing and kickboxing disciplines.
Verhoeven, a dominant figure in kickboxing, has expressed confidence ahead of the bout, highlighting his size advantage and power as key factors that could trouble Usyk in the ring. He has also stated that he plans to bring a different fighting style into boxing, using unfamiliar angles and aggressive pressure.
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Despite criticism from some boxing observers who believe Usyk should instead face top-ranked contenders, the Ukrainian champion has maintained that the matchup represents a unique challenge and an opportunity to test himself against a different combat sport discipline.
The fight, set against the backdrop of the Pyramids of Giza, has generated significant global attention due to its unusual pairing and the contrast in experience between the two athletes.
Promoters expect strong international interest, with both fighters undefeated in their respective sports at elite level, adding further intrigue to the crossover event.-The Capital Post
