Verhoeven: We cracked the guy considered invincible

Rico Verhoeven says his camp exposed vulnerability in Oleksandr Usyk during the Ukrainian's recent heavyweight championship fight. The kickboxer believes the formerly unbeaten champion's aura has been damaged.

“His legacy has been amazing anyway, but I definitely feel we made a crack in the guy that was considered invincible”

— Rico Verhoeven, via BBC Sport

What Rico Verhoeven said

Verhoeven trains at the same gym as fighters who have worked with Usyk's opponents. The heavyweight kickboxing champion has followed Usyk's move up from cruiserweight closely. Usyk remains unified at heavyweight despite losses in sparring and preparation phases that never reach the public record.

What it moves

Verhoeven's comment suggests Usyk's next challenger will enter the ring with renewed belief. The Ukrainian has faced questions about his power at heavyweight before. Whether that perceived crack widens depends on how Usyk responds in his next title defence.

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