Usyk warns against treating Verhoeven lightly ahead of clash

Oleksandr Usyk says he is taking Rico Verhoeven seriously as fight preparations continue. The former undisputed heavyweight champion insists he is not viewing the bout as straightforward.

“I'm not [thinking] relaxed and this is easy money. This is a fighter”

— Oleksandr Usyk, via BBC Sport

What Oleksandr Usyk said

Usyk has been linked to a crossover fight with kickboxing champion Verhoeven after stepping away from professional boxing following back-to-back wins over Tyson Fury. The Ukrainian holds wins in both the cruiserweight and heavyweight divisions but has never competed in kickboxing.

What it moves

Usyk's comments suggest he is treating the potential switch in combat sports as a legitimate challenge rather than an exhibition payday. Verhoeven has spent his career in kickboxing's heavyweight division and would enter any ring meeting as the specialist in that ruleset.

Source: bbc.com. Full Oleksandr Usyk fight history and recent news at boxingnews.com.