Verhoeven: Usyk will feel my natural 20-kilo weight advantage

Rico Verhoeven says his kickboxing background and size will trouble Oleksandr Usyk. The Dutchman believes the heavyweight champion will struggle with his different stance and movement when they meet.

“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 crosses over from kickboxing, where he has reigned as a heavyweight champion. Usyk, a former cruiserweight, moved up to heavyweight and unified all four belts. The pair have discussed fighting under boxing rules.

What it moves

Verhoeven's comments set up a contrast in styles and physical advantages. Usyk's technical mastery faces a test against an opponent schooled outside traditional boxing. The weight gap and stance differences could define how negotiations and any eventual bout unfold.

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