Verhoeven labels Usyk a 'built-up cruiserweight' ahead of May showdown

After a largely cordial launch press conference for Oleksandr Usyk’s showdown with Rico Verhoeven on May 23, you couldn’t help but think the latter would end up paying the price for calling the unified world heavyweight champ a “built-up cruiserweight”.

In typical fashion, Usyk was unmoved by the legendary kickboxer’s jibe ahead of their bout at the Pyramids of Giza, which you can watch live on DAZN PPV.

It will, however, have not gone unheard even if the Ukrainian’s English remains patchy.

Making it clear that this fight — just Verhoeven’s second with boxing gloves on — was very much his choice, he left those in attendance in London with no doubt that he is taking the challenge seriously. 

Usyk, 39, said: “Training and good pasta, double portion, is magic. It’s my fuel.

“He’s a great guy. A dangerous guy. One time, I want to do what I want, not what I need. 

"A lot of time I do what other people need. You have to box this person, or this or this. I say 'OK'. Now I do what I want.

“I’m preparing 100%. It will be a great fight.

“There’s no pressure for me. It’s just a fight. It’s a boxing fight, it’s normal for me. Everything is OK.”

Having dominated kickboxing with a 12-year reign as GLORY heavyweight champion, Verhoeven is relishing the prospect of locking horns with Usyk.

And he is clearly not phased by a fighter who is undefeated in 24 pro bouts — despite the fact his only outing in the paid ranks came back in 2014 when he KO’d Janos Finfera inside two rounds.

Verhoeven, 37, said: “To be the very best at what you’re doing, you have to be a little crazy and obsessed with what you’re doing.

“I’m crazy excited to be here and super thankful for the opportunity. He’s excited about the fight because it’s something new. We’re bringing two worlds together.

“I’ve been dominating the sport of kickboxing for over a decade. Facing the best, beating the best, having that target on my back — like Oleksandr has [in boxing].

“When I land my best punch on him, he will go down. He’s like a built-up cruiserweight and I’m a natural heavyweight. That’s what can happen if I land my best shot.”

When the talking was over, the two combatants locked eyes for nearly two minutes in an intense but relaxed staredown.

While you never thought it would bubble over, there can be no doubt that the fireworks will come when they trade leather in Egypt.

Ring Magazine

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