Promoter Eddie Hearn has described Rico Verhoeven as “not a normal man” ahead of his world title challenge against Oleksandr Usyk in Egypt on Saturday.
Ukrainian Usyk, widely regarded as the leading heavyweight of his era, will defend his WBC title against Verhoeven at the foot of the pyramids of Giza.
The fight has drawn attention over the gap in boxing experience between both men, with some questioning the decision to stage a world title bout under these circumstances.
“The fight on paper is an impossible mountain to climb for Rico Verhoeven,” Matchroom promoter Hearn said.
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“No, I’ll rephrase that. For the normal man. But the reason he has accomplished what he’s accomplished, and the reason he’s done what he’s done, is because he’s not a normal man.”
Verhoeven enters the fight as a major underdog, with a victory considered one of the biggest shocks in boxing history if it materialises.
The Dutchman has won 66 of his 76 kickboxing bouts and has gone more than 4,000 days without defeat. In boxing, however, he has only one professional fight on record, a stoppage win over a journeyman 12 years ago.
Usyk brings a decorated résumé into the contest, having won Olympic gold, unified the cruiserweight division and become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion. He remains unbeaten in 24 professional fights.
At the media event, Usyk wore an Egyptian-inspired white and gold outfit with a cape and draped sleeves. His tone, however, was understated, and at one point, he appeared to be on a video call during proceedings.
When asked about Verhoeven’s claim that his lack of boxing experience could bring something new, Usyk said, “I have no idea how many rounds this will go. I’m not sad with 12 rounds. It’s normal. But I don’t know. When I have the chance, I’ll do it.”
The contest will see Usyk defend his WBA ‘Super’ title, while he would also lose his IBF belt if defeated. Verhoeven is not eligible to win either championship.
Hearn added to the build-up as the press conference unfolded without major tension between the two fighters.
“This giant of a guy, whose arms are like the normal man’s thighs, has an opportunity to – let’s be honest – produce one of the greatest upsets in the history of boxing,” Hearn said.
“It might not be to him, but on paper it absolutely will be.”
Verhoeven explained his move into boxing and his motivation for taking the fight.
“[It was] to be open-minded and to test myself and the curiosity of: can I still do that at this age? How can I immerse myself in the sport of boxing? How can I transition into that? And is that even possible at this age?”
The challenger kept his comments measured but outlined what victory would mean.
“If it’s a knockout, it’s a knockout. If it’s a decision, it’s a decision,” Verhoeven said.
“If it comes to a decision and I get the win, wow. Then I faced the pound-for-pound fighter in the world for years and years, and I beat him over 12 rounds. He tried everything, and he couldn’t beat me. That would be the ultimate.”
The face-off lasted under a minute and a half, ending only when Hearn stepped between both men, followed by a respectful handshake.
