Verhoeven vows to make Usyk feel 20-kilo weight difference

Rico Verhoeven says his kickboxing background will give him a decisive edge against Oleksandr Usyk when the two meet in a crossover bout.

“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 is stepping into boxing from a decorated kickboxing career. Usyk moved up from cruiserweight to capture the heavyweight titles but remains one of the smaller men in the division. The clash pits technical mastery against size and striking variety.

What it moves

Verhoeven's confidence in his physical advantages sets up a tactical battle between Usyk's refined boxing and the Dutchman's power. If the fight proceeds, Usyk will need to close the gap with footwork and timing while Verhoeven looks to impose his natural size from the opening bell.

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