Verhoeven warns Usyk will feel 20-kilo weight gap in crossover

Rico Verhoeven says Oleksandr Usyk will struggle with a natural heavyweight's power when the two meet. The kickboxing champion believes his size and striking background give him an edge the unified titlist 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 in kickboxing, well above the cruiserweight limit Usyk held before moving to heavyweight. The Dutchman has built his career in Glory and other kickboxing promotions, while Usyk unified all four belts at heavyweight in boxing. The crossover bout has been discussed but not confirmed.

What it moves

Verhoeven's comments suggest he sees a stylistic mismatch rooted in his kickboxing stance and weight advantage. If the fight moves forward, Usyk would face a larger opponent with unorthodox movement, testing his ability to solve puzzles outside traditional boxing. Neither camp has announced a date or venue.

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