Verhoeven Challenges Usyk for World Boxing Title
Rico Verhoeven is making a significant transition into boxing, as he prepares to challenge for the world heavyweight title. This momentous event will take place on May 23, 2024, in Egypt, where Verhoeven will face Oleksandr Usyk, the current undisputed champion recognized by the WBA, WBO, WBC, and IBF.
Rico Verhoeven’s Boxing Challenge
The 36-year-old athlete from Brabant has a remarkable background as a kickboxer. He held the Glory heavyweight title for twelve consecutive years without suffering a defeat. In late 2023, Verhoeven announced his retirement from kickboxing to pursue opportunities in other combat sports. While many speculated that he would enter the UFC, he opted for traditional boxing instead.
Aiming for Glory
Verhoeven expressed his intention to seek the most significant challenges in his new endeavor. “I was not looking for comfort, so I sought out the biggest challenge available,” he stated. “Usyk is undisputed in boxing. That kind of challenge motivates me. The best against the best.”
About Oleksandr Usyk
Oleksandr Usyk recently achieved a historic milestone in his boxing career. In May 2024, he defeated Tyson Fury in Riyadh, marking Fury’s first professional loss. This victory made Usyk the first boxer in 25 years to hold the titles from the three most prestigious boxing organizations.
- Event: Usyk vs. Fury, May 2024
- Location: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Outcome: Usyk defeated Fury, claiming three heavyweight titles
Usyk also won a rematch against Fury in December 2024 and continued to add to his collection of titles by defeating Daniel Dubois in July 2025. Post bouts, speculation surrounded potential fights with Deontay Wilder and a third clash with Fury, but he chose to fight against Verhoeven.
Respect and Readiness
Usyk acknowledged Verhoeven’s accomplishments with respect. “Rico is one of them: a powerful athlete and a great champion,” he said. “But this is boxing—a different game with its own rules and kings. I am ready and genuinely looking forward to meeting him in the ring.”
Verhoeven’s Confidence
Verhoeven is confident about the upcoming match, which will unfold near the iconic Egyptian pyramids. “I was the undisputed heavyweight champion of kickboxing for twelve years and achieved everything I set out to do. However, staying at the top only heightened my hunger for competition,” he remarked.
As Verhoeven readies himself for this high-stakes boxing title match, all eyes will be on him as he makes his mark in a new sport.
