Who is Usyk next opponent next month in Egypt? The fight is announced but many in boxing don’t even know him.
For the heavyweight champion of the world to basically be fighting an unknown fighter has tarnished Usyk’s legacy.
As fans wanted to see him take on difficult competition like Moses Itauma and other younger contenders.
A strange move from him considering boxing is doing great as a sport and matchmaking is on point at the moment.
Usyk is basically fighting a kick boxer next.
Here are 12 short facts about Rico Verhoeven (Usyk’s next opponent):
- Name & Nickname: Rico Verhoeven, known as the “King of Kickboxing” (formerly “Prince”).
- Nationality: Dutch, born April 10, 1989 (age 37).
- Height & Size: 6’5″ (196 cm) tall, with a 78–82″ reach; fights around 250–270 lbs.
- Background: Elite kickboxer, not a pro boxer — he has only 1 professional boxing fight (a 2014 KO win).
- Kickboxing Record: 66-10 with 21 KOs; dominated GLORY Heavyweight division.
- Title Reign: Held the GLORY Heavyweight kickboxing world title for over 11 years (4,200+ days), with multiple defenses.
- Fight vs Usyk: Faces Oleksandr Usyk on May 23, 2026, at the Pyramids of Giza, Egypt, for the WBC heavyweight title.
- Style: Technical, intelligent kickboxer with strong striking, but limited boxing experience.
- Recent Move: Vacated his longtime kickboxing title to pursue this high-profile boxing crossover.
- Athletic Start: Began martial arts at age 7, pro kickboxing debut at 16.
- Strengths: Size advantage over Usyk, power, and experience against big heavyweights in kickboxing.
- Perception: Seen by many as a big payday/fan novelty fight, with Usyk heavily favored due to boxing skill gap.
He might have credentials in kickboxing but at the highest level of professional boxing he is a nobody.
Usyk is being rightly hammered online worldwide by fans for this shocking decision as an opponent.
He is expected to win easy.
The fight is next month on May 23rd.
His old rival Tyson Fury won at the weekend just gone.
