Usyk Sees Kickboxer Verhoeven as Dangerous Rival, Predicts Joshua Victory Over Fury

Heavyweight boxing champion Oleksandr Usyk discusses his upcoming fight against kickboxing star Rico Verhoeven and his thoughts on the Joshua-Fury matchup.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 1:19am

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A cubist-style painting depicting a boxing match between Oleksandr Usyk and Rico Verhoeven, with the figures and action broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes and planes.Usyk's unconventional challenge to kickboxer Verhoeven reflects the champion's willingness to test his skills against diverse opponents.Plainview Today

Heavyweight boxing champion Oleksandr Usyk offered an explanation on Tuesday for why he is giving kickboxing star Rico Verhoeven a chance to claim his title. Usyk said he sees Verhoeven as a dangerous opponent and believes Anthony Joshua will defeat Tyson Fury in their upcoming fight.

Why it matters

Usyk's decision to take on Verhoeven, a renowned kickboxer, is an unusual move in the boxing world. It highlights Usyk's willingness to take on unconventional challenges and test his skills against fighters from other combat sports disciplines. Additionally, Usyk's prediction about the Joshua-Fury fight is significant, as it could impact the future landscape of the heavyweight division.

The details

Usyk said he is giving Verhoeven a chance because he sees the kickboxer as a dangerous opponent who could pose a unique challenge. Verhoeven is a multiple-time world champion in kickboxing and has a formidable record, which has piqued Usyk's interest. As for the Joshua-Fury fight, Usyk believes Joshua will emerge victorious, though he acknowledged that both fighters are highly skilled.

  • The Usyk-Verhoeven fight is scheduled for June 2026.
  • The Joshua-Fury fight is expected to take place in the fall of 2026.

The players

Oleksandr Usyk

The current heavyweight boxing champion and former undisputed cruiserweight champion.

Rico Verhoeven

A renowned kickboxing star who has multiple world titles in the sport.

Anthony Joshua

A British heavyweight boxer and former unified heavyweight champion.

Tyson Fury

A British heavyweight boxer and the current WBC heavyweight champion.

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What they’re saying

“I see Verhoeven as a dangerous opponent, and I believe Joshua will defeat Fury.”

— Oleksandr Usyk, Heavyweight Boxing Champion

What’s next

The Usyk-Verhoeven fight is expected to generate significant interest in the combat sports community, as it pits a boxing champion against a kickboxing star. The outcome of the Joshua-Fury fight could also have major implications for the future of the heavyweight division.

The takeaway

Usyk's willingness to take on unconventional challenges and his prediction about the Joshua-Fury fight demonstrate his confidence and ambition as a champion. This move could further elevate his profile and set the stage for more high-profile matchups in the future.