Boxing superstar Oleksandr Usyk will defend his WBC and Ring Magazine heavyweight title against kickboxing legend Rico Verhoeven on Saturday at the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt.
Usyk will head into the match as the heavy betting favorite with -1660 boxing odds, while Verhoeven, who will make his second pro boxing fight, is going to be the overwhelming betting underdog with +800 odds. A draw result has odds of +2700.
Oleksandr Usyk vs. Rico Verhoeven Fight Odds
- Oleksandr Usyk: -1660
- Rico Verhoeven: +800
- Tie: +2700
Oleksandr Usyk vs. Rico Verhoeven: Tale of the Tape
| Oleksandr Usyk | Rico Verhoeven | |
|---|---|---|
| Age | 39 | 37 |
| Height | 6’3” | 6’5” |
| Record | 24-0 | 1-0 |
| Reach | 78 inches | 78.5 inches |
| Stance | Southpaw | Orthodox |
| TKO/KO Percentage | 63% | 100% |
Oleksandr Usyk vs. Rico Verhoeven: Prediction
My prediction is a TKO/KO victory for Usyk over Verhoeven, mainly because he’s the natural boxer and a living legend of the sport. Verhoeven may be a powerful puncher, but he’s not used to being limited to only his punches as a kickboxer.
The movement and combination of Usyk should overwhelm Verhoeven, especially in the second half of the match, where Verhoeven is expected to slow down, since he doesn’t usually compete in 12 rounds.
Sure, Verhoeven will have his moments early into the match, just like any other combat sports athlete who crosses over to boxing, but Usyk isn’t someone who crumbles to pressure. His championship experience will shine during the match.
Oleksandr Usyk’s Recent Fight Results
Usyk is the current undisputed heavyweight boxing world champion. He’s still undefeated in 24 pro fights, and his last five victories were against Anthony Joshua, Daniel Dubois (twice), and Tyson Fury (twice).
Rico Verhoeven’s Recent Fight Results
Verhoeven is a kickboxing legend who was a former longtime GLORY Kickboxing heavyweight world champion. He has fought only once in a professional boxing match, in 2014, when he knocked out Janos Finfera in the second round of their bout.
Oleksandr Usyk vs. Rico Verhoeven: Start Time
May 23, 5 p.m. E.T.
May 23, 4 p.m. C.T.
May 23, 3 p.m. M.T.
May 23, 2 p.m. P.T.
Boxing Betting Lines
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