Oleksandr Usyk defends his WBC heavyweight title against kickboxing legend Rico Verhoeven.
Oleksandr Usyk and Rico Verhoeven are set for one of the most unusual heavyweight bouts in modern boxing, with the reigning WBC champion defending his title against a decorated kickboxing star making only his second professional appearance in the sport.
The fight takes place at the iconic Pyramids of Giza in Egypt and has drawn huge global attention not just for the setting, but for the sheer contrast in experience. Usyk is a two-weight undisputed boxing champion and widely regarded as one of the finest heavyweights of his generation, while Verhoeven arrives from kickboxing, where he dominated for more than a decade as a long-reigning world champion.
Despite Verhoeven’s elite combat pedigree, the boxing world views this as a major step up in discipline against arguably the sport’s most complete operator.
Bet365
- Slick, clean interface
- Full suite of safer gambling options including profit/loss
- Market leading all customer offers across all sports
Oleksandr Usyk vs. Rico Verhoeven Odds
| Outcome | Odds |
|---|---|
| Oleksandr Usyk | 1/16 |
| Draw | 50/1 |
| Rico Verhoeven | 14/1 |
Usyk enters as a heavy favourite, with bookmakers strongly backing the Ukrainian champion to retain his world title.
Who is favourite to win Oleksandr Usyk vs. Rico Verhoeven?
Oleksandr Usyk is a huge favourite heading into this heavyweight clash, and the odds underline just how big the gap is seen to be between the two fighters.
Oleksandr Usyk is priced at 1/16 (best price bet365). In simple terms, bookmakers see this as Usyk’s fight to lose. He has already beaten the likes of Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury twice each, as well as Daniel Dubois, and continues to operate at the very top of the sport.
Rico Verhoeven is a 14/1 outsider (best price Starsports), reflecting both his elite combat sports background and the reality that he is vastly inexperienced in professional boxing terms.
While Verhoeven has been a dominant kickboxing world champion for over a decade and brings elite physical attributes, he has only one professional boxing bout on his record - and that came against a far lower level of opposition more than a decade ago.
The draw is priced at 50/1, highlighting how unlikely the market considers any kind of stalemate in a fight expected to be one-sided in style and pacing.
Oleksandr Usyk vs. Rico Verhoeven Undercard
- Frank Sanchez vs Richard Torrez Jr – Heavyweight
- Jack Catterall vs Shakhram Giyasov – Welterweight
- Hamzah Sheeraz vs Alem Begic – Super middleweight
- Mizuki Hiruta vs Mai Solman – Super flyweight
- Daniel Lapin vs Benjamin Mendes Tani – Light heavyweight
Oleksandr Usyk vs. Rico Verhoeven Prediction
This is a classic “levels” fight.
Usyk’s advantages are built on elite boxing fundamentals: timing, distance control, footwork and sustained pressure over championship rounds. He has repeatedly solved world-level heavyweights and has shown no decline against top-tier opposition in recent years.
Verhoeven’s case rests on physicality and unpredictability. At heavyweight size, with extensive combat experience and a long reign in kickboxing, he carries genuine power and toughness. However, only one professional boxing bout means there is limited evidence he can consistently handle a 12-round elite boxing rhythm.
Oddschecker betting trends show a split in interest despite the odds:
- Rico Verhoeven has attracted around 50% of bets last week
- Oleksandr Usyk has taken 44% of bets last week
That suggests curiosity around the upset angle, even if the market strongly favours the champion.
Prediction: Usyk is expected to take control after early rounds, adjusting to Verhoeven’s unusual rhythm and output. The most likely outcome is a late stoppage or comfortable unanimous decision as the fight progresses into the championship rounds.
When is Oleksandr Usyk vs. Rico Verhoeven?
The fight takes place on Saturday, 23 May, with ringwalks expected in the late evening BST. The main event is scheduled to follow a full undercard at the foot of the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt, with global broadcast coverage and live commentary across major sports platforms.
