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Verhoeven backed by fellow kickboxer to give Usyk tough night
Rico Verhoeven has the tools to trouble Oleksandr Usyk, with fellow Dutchman Alistair Overeem backing his compatriot.
The kickboxer, widely considered one of the finest of his generation, will challenge the Ukrainian for his WBC title in May.
Usyk's two-time heavyweight undisputed status sees him head towards their showdown in Egypt as a heavy favourite.
But Overeem, who enjoyed mixed-martial arts and kickboxing success in a decorated career, feels Verhoeven can surprise.
"I think this move into boxing is beautiful," he told The Ring. "To move into a new sport and challenge the number one?
"I love that attitude. In kickboxing, nobody could really give him any difficulty. He has decided to put it all on the line.
"Against Usyk, he can cause problems. This is a fight that both men need to win. Nobody is going to show for the sake of it.
"He has the height and the weight against Usyk. The team will be working on a plan. That's the beauty of this match."
Verhoeven earns friendly backing before battle
DAZN News correspondent Andrew Steel
Rico Verhoeven might only have one pro boxing bout on his record, but there are plenty who feel he can spring a surprise.
Among the boxing fraternity, Oleksandr Usyk reigns supreme, but the Dutchman's old friends and foes are backing him.
In all honesty, a victory for Verhoeven feels fanciful at best. Half of his arsenal will be taken in the move from kickboxing.
But he nevertheless does have the advantage in reach and heft to cause some headaches for the unified champion here.
Either way, plenty of intrigue still casts a shadow over their Giza showdown - and you can bet many will be tuning in for it.
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