Verhoeven: Usyk will feel my 20-kilo weight advantage

Rico Verhoeven says his kickboxing background and size will trouble Oleksandr Usyk when they meet. The Glory heavyweight champion believes his naturally heavier frame gives him a physical edge the unified champion has not faced.

“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 style honed in kickboxing rather than amateur boxing. Usyk moved up from cruiserweight to become undisputed heavyweight champion. The crossover fight has been discussed but remains unconfirmed.

What it moves

Verhoeven's claim centres on unfamiliar angles and raw size rather than technical boxing. If the fight happens, Usyk would face a taller opponent who kicks and punches from a wider stance. The weight gap could force Usyk to fight at longer range than he prefers.

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