Usyk warns he's not relaxed ahead of Verhoeven clash

Oleksandr Usyk says Rico Verhoeven remains a dangerous opponent despite the Ukrainian's dominance at heavyweight. The former undisputed champion faces the kickboxing star in a crossover bout.

“Listen, he's a dangerous guy, he's undisputed. I'm not relaxed, he's a fighter. My concentration is 100 per cent.”

— Oleksandr Usyk, via Sky Sports

What Oleksandr Usyk said

Usyk, who holds victories over Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury, told Sky Sports his preparation for Verhoeven has been total. The fight marks a rare crossover between boxing's top tier and kickboxing's elite, with Verhoeven holding multiple heavyweight titles in his discipline.

What it moves

Usyk's comments suggest he is treating the bout with full seriousness rather than viewing it as an exhibition. The Ukrainian's insistence on maximum concentration indicates he sees genuine threat in Verhoeven's striking power despite the format difference.

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