Oleksandr Usyk, Rico Verhoeven easily make weight; have long intense staredown

On Saturday, Oleksandr Usyk and  Rico Verhoeven will be making history as their WBA and WBC heavyweight title clash emanates from the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt, live and exclusive on DAZN Pay-Per-View and the DAZN Ultimate Tier . 

You could see the tension rise a bit on the Usyk side at Thursday's press conference, as he appeared agitated by Verhoeven's assessment of possible ways to win. At the same time, the unified heavyweight champion was tired of talking and ready to showcase his skills inside the ring. 

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Inside Usyk and Rico training camps

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BUY NOW: Purchase Usyk vs. Verhoeven PPV right now by clicking here

Usyk and Verhoeven had one final look at each other before they stood across the ring with the gold on the line during Friday's weigh-in. 

Both guys easily made weight as Verhoeven stepped on the scale first, and the "King of Kickboxing" came in at 258.7. Then the jovial champion, who happily went on the scales first when he got announced, made his way to the dais and weighed 233.3 pounds. 

Then Usyk and Verhoeven went face-to-face and had a highly intense staredown. They were going eye-to-eye with Verhoeven at one point, leaning in to get a better look. It could have gone another few minutes to see who would blink first and step away. But promoter Eddie Hearn put his arm in front of Verhoeven, and both guys went their separate ways. 

The former GLORY kickboxing heavyweight champion made it clear he didn't come to Egypt to finish in second place. 

"We’re rewriting history again here in the pyramids," Verhoeven said at the weigh-in.

Usyk (24-0, 15 KOs) was respectful of Verhoeven's accomplishments and knows what he brings to the table on Saturday.

"He’s a dangerous guy," Usyk said. "He’s undisputed in kickboxing. Not only good legs, but hands too. But he’s dangerous."

Oleksandr Usyk vs. Rico Verhoeven Weigh-In Results

• Oleksandr Usyk (c) (233.3)vs. Rico Verhoeven (258.7); WBA, WBC Heavyweight title fight
• Hamzah Sheeraz (167.9) vs. Alem Bagic (166.9); Vacant WBO Super Middleweight title fight
• Jack Catterall (146.8) vs. Shakhram Giyasov (145.7); Vacant WBA (Regular) Welterweight title fight
• Richard Torrez Jr. (229.5) vs. Frank Sanchez (240.4); Heavyweights
• Mizuki Hiruta (c) (114.7) vs. Mai Soliman (114); Ring and WBO super flyweight title fight
• Benjamin Mendes Tani (174.4) vs. Daniel Lapin (173.8); Light Heavyweights
• Jamar Talley (197.7) vs. Basem Mamdouh (192.8); Cruiserweights
• Dedy Imprax (125.7) vs. Sultan Almohammed (127.8); Featherweights
• Ali Sserunkuma (141.5) vs. Mahmoud Moubarak (138.9); Super Lightweights
• Michael Kalyalya (160.2) vs. Omar Hikal (161.1); Middleweights

Watch Usyk vs Verhoeven only on DAZN

Oleksandr Usyk puts his unbeaten record on the line against Rico Verhoeven on Saturday, May 23, in front of the Egyptian pyramids, live and exclusive on DAZN. Buy as a one-off PPV or included, along with Zayas vs. Ennis (June 27) PPV, with a DAZN Ultimate Tier subscription.

For more information, pricing, and to buy, click here .