Verhoeven promises to 'shock the boxing world' against Usyk

Rico Verhoeven says his team will build a fight plan capable of surprising Oleksandr Usyk when the two meet. The heavyweight kickboxing champion is preparing to step into the boxing ring with trainer Peter in his corner.

“For Usyk, I'm happy to have Peter in my corner and we are going to shape a game plan and shock the boxing world.”

— Rico Verhoeven, via ESPN

What Rico Verhoeven said

Verhoeven competes at 123 kg and has spent his career in kickboxing rather than professional boxing. His preparation for Usyk centres on working with a cornerman identified only as Peter to develop tactics suited to the squared circle. The quote came during an interview with ESPN.

What it moves

Verhoeven's claim sets up a stylistic puzzle for Usyk, who has not faced a pure kickboxer in a sanctioned bout. Whether the fight proceeds depends on negotiations that have not been confirmed publicly. Verhoeven will need to translate striking skills honed under different rules into a boxing framework.

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