Rico Verhoeven says Oleksandr Usyk will feel 20-kilo difference

Rico Verhoeven believes his kickboxing background and natural size will trouble Oleksandr Usyk if the two meet in the ring. The heavyweight says the Ukrainian will struggle with his movement and power.

“Usyk has pulled the puzzle of boxing out and put it back together, but I'm not a traditional boxer - I'm a kickboxer. My stance is different, my movement is different and I am a naturally big, athletic guy. When I hit him, he's going to feel a natural 20-kilo weight difference.”

— Rico Verhoeven, via BBC Sport

What Rico Verhoeven said

Verhoeven competes at 123 kg and brings a striking game built in kickboxing. Usyk moved up from cruiserweight and has unified belts in the heavyweight division. The Dutchman claims his stance and athleticism separate him from the orthodox boxers Usyk has mastered.

What it moves

Speaking to BBC Sport, Verhoeven said Usyk has mastered traditional boxing but added: "I'm not a traditional boxer - I'm a kickboxer. My stance is different, my movement is different and I am a naturally big, athletic guy. When I hit him, he's going to feel a natural 20-kilo weight difference." Whether the fight materialises depends on sanctioning bodies and promotional alignment.

Source: bbc.com. Full Rico Verhoeven fight history and recent news at boxingnews.com.