Oleksandr Usyk isn’t pretending his next fight is about proving anything, this time, it’s personal.
The heavyweight champion will defend his title against Rico Verhoeven in Giza on May 23, a matchup that has raised questions given the challenger’s limited boxing background. But Usyk made his reasoning clear: “For me, it’s a challenge… one time, I want to do what I want, not what is needed.”
After years of doing exactly that, beating the likes of Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua multiple times, Usyk is approaching this differently. “There is no pressure for me… this is just a boxing fight,” he said.
Verhoeven, though, isn’t coming in quietly. “What an opportunity we have to upset the world,” he said. “To be the very best… you have to be a little bit crazy.” The kickboxing champion believes his size and style could create problems, adding: “When I land my best punch… he will go down.”
Usyk didn’t bite on the talk. Instead, he kept it simple: “I love boxing… but more I love my life.” Then, when asked about Verhoeven’s chances, he gave the only response that mattered: “We’ll see.”
Image Credit: Matchroom Boxing