{"id":21904,"date":"2026-05-21T16:22:33","date_gmt":"2026-05-21T13:22:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/7bet.co.uk\/blog\/?p=21904"},"modified":"2026-05-21T16:22:33","modified_gmt":"2026-05-21T13:22:33","slug":"usyk-vs-verhoeven-preview","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/7bet.co.uk\/blog\/usyk-vs-verhoeven-preview\/","title":{"rendered":"Oleksandr Usyk vs Rico Verhoeven | Fight Preview &#038; Betting Odds"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In recent years, boxing has flirted with crossover spectacles on more than one occasion. However, what\u2019s set for <\/span><b>23 May 2026<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> promises to be the cherry on top. On that date, the Pyramids of Giza will host a <\/span><b>WBC heavyweight title fight<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> between Oleksandr Usyk and Rico Verhoeven. It\u2019s a fight between the finest pound-for-pound boxer on the planet and the most decorated kickboxer in the history of the sport. It is billed as \u2018Glory in Giza\u2019, and the matchmaking seems super compelling to say the least.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In this preview, we\u2019ll look at the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/7bet.co.uk\/betting\/boxing\/international\/international-matchups\/oleksandr-usyk-vs-rico-verhoeven\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Usyk vs Verhoeven betting odds<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, analyse paths to victory for both gladiators, explain how to watch it in the UK, and answer some frequently asked questions.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><b>Usyk vs Verhoeven: Fight Details<\/b><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><strong>Date<\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>:<\/strong> Saturday, 23 May 2026<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><strong>Time<\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Main card from 7:00 pm BST; ring walks expected approximately 10:00 pm BST<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><strong>Location<\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Pyramids of Giza, Giza, Egypt<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><strong>Titles<\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: WBC, IBF &amp; The Ring Heavyweight World Championships (Usyk\u2019s unified title defences)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><strong>Broadcast<\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: DAZN PPV (UK and worldwide)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This will be Usyk\u2019s 3<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">rd<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> title defence since he defeated Tyson Fury in 2024. It\u2019s only the 2<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">nd<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> pro boxing fight for Rico Verhoeven; however, his pedigree and accolades should leave no room for misinterpretation. He\u2019s as dangerous as they come.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><b>Usyk vs Verhoeven: Betting Odds<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Below is a full breakdown of the available <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/7bet.co.uk\/betting\/boxing\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">boxing odds<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for Usyk vs Verhoeven at 7bet UK. <\/span><b>Please note: odds are correct at the time of writing and are subject to change<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Always check for the latest prices and gamble responsibly. You can also set limits to help form healthier habits.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><b>Winner<\/b><\/h3>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><strong><span style=\"color: #ffffff;\">Oleksandr Usyk<\/span><\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong><span style=\"color: #ffffff;\">Rico Verhoeven<\/span><\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"color: #ffffff;\"><b>1\/20\u00a0<\/b><\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"color: #ffffff;\"><b>15\/2<\/b><\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s the most direct bet. Back either Usyk or Verhoeven to win the bout outright. It doesn\u2019t matter how the victory comes \u2013 KO, TKO, ref stoppage or via the judges. Your only concern is that the fighter you put your money on prevails.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Usyk enters the Glory in Giza as the overwhelming favourite<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. This is in line with his undefeated track record in pro boxing and his status as the best P4P fighter in the world. Verhoeven\u2019s odds are long, as expected, but they carry a small implied probability that reflects the one genuine wildcard in this matchup. A single, devastating right-hand could end things prematurely.<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">He has, as we know, stopped heavyweight kickboxers for a living.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><b>Round Total<\/b><\/h3>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><strong><span style=\"color: #ffffff;\">Market<\/span><\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong><span style=\"color: #ffffff;\">Odds<\/span><\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong><span style=\"color: #ffffff;\">Market<\/span><\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong><span style=\"color: #ffffff;\">Odds<\/span><\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">Over 4.5<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">5\/7<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">Under 4.5<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">1\/1<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Round Total market invites you to predict whether the fight will last longer (Over) or shorter\u00a0 (Under) than a designated number of rounds. Usually, there are a handful of options for you to choose from.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As an example, we can use the 4.5 threshold. If you pick \u2018Over 4.5\u2019, you need the 5<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">th<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> round to start, at least. However, if you pick \u2018Under 4.5\u2019, you expect one of the athletes to handle business early. Usyk has finished 15 of his 24 pro fights inside the distance, although his biggest wins required the full 12 rounds. <\/span><b>Against Verhoeven, the question is whether Usyk\u2019s clinical body work and accumulative punching will grind the kickboxer down early? <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Or maybe Verhoeven\u2019s conditioning and heavyweight power allow the fight to develop into the later rounds.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><b>Method of Victory<\/b><\/h3>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><strong><span style=\"color: #ffffff;\">Method<\/span><\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong><span style=\"color: #ffffff;\">Odds<\/span><\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">Oleksandr Usyk by KO \/ TKO or Disqualification<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">2\/11<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">Oleksandr Usyk by Decision or Technical Decision<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">13\/3<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">Draw<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">30\/1<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">Rico Verhoeven by KO \/ TKO or Disqualification<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">13\/1<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">Rico Verhoeven by Decision or Technical Decision<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">25\/1<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Method of Victory<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> market requires bettors to correctly identify both the outright winner of the contest and how the fight is going to end. Given Usyk\u2019s angles and laser-accurate combos as well as titan-level defence, a decision win is historically his most common method against elite-level opposition. <\/span><b>However, a KO stoppage in favour of the Ukrainian is considered the most likely outcome overall, according to implied probabilities<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. A Verhoeven KO win carries the shortest odds for the Dutchman.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><b>Will the Fight Go the Distance?\u00a0<\/b><\/h3>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><strong><span style=\"color: #ffffff;\">Yes<\/span><\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong><span style=\"color: #ffffff;\">No<\/span><\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"color: #ffffff;\"><b>17\/4<\/b><\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"color: #ffffff;\"><b>2\/15<\/b><\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One of the <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">cleanest <\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">binary picks from the lot. If you decide to bet on this market, you need to pick \u2018Yes\u2019 if you believe the fight will head to the judges or \u2018No\u2019 if you think a KO\/TKO or stoppage is in the cards. Usyk has gone the distance in his last four fights \u2014 against Joshua twice, Fury twice \u2014 each time winning comfortably on the scorecards. Yet, fighting against a less technically proficient opponent increases the likelihood of a more comfortable stoppage. <\/span><b>This is why \u2018No\u2019 has the lower odds \u2013 higher implied probability<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><b>Winner &amp; Exact Round<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This is the highest-risk, highest-reward option out there. The odds are longer, requiring the bettor to correctly identify both the winner and the exact round in which the bout ends.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><b>Oleksandr Usyk \u2013 \u2018The Cat\u2019 (24-0, 15 KOs)<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The argument for Oleksandr Usyk being the <\/span><b>finest pound-for-pound boxer on the planet<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is not a controversial one. A lot of experts and fans would even agree that the 37-year-old Ukrainian southpaw is the GOAT.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">An undisputed champ at cruiserweight, Usyk went up to heavyweights, claimed his first title in October of 2020 and never looked back. He\u2019s dominating the division in a similar fashion, leaving no stone unturned and no opponent feeling safe.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>\u2018The Cat\u2019s\u2019 style is a masterclass in technical southpaw<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. He has an almost hypnotic upper-body movement, is very good at countering with right jabs and always moves behind a high guard that acts as both a shield and a weapon. However, the strongest weapons in his arsenal are Ring IQ and technical preparation. He\u2019s rarely put on the back foot, even in 12-round affairs.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While <\/span><b>not a one-punch knockout artist<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, Usyk is capable of delivering sustained-pressure sombos and accumulates damage relentlessly across 12 rounds. Both Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury \u2014 two of the most physically imposing heavyweights of their generation \u2014 found themselves unable to impose their size or power against him. To prepare for the event in Giza, the Ukrainian continues to train against himself, pushing through every session as if facing the most dangerous opponent he has ever encountered.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><b>Oleksandr Usyk \u2013 Last 5 Fights<\/b><\/h3>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><strong><span style=\"color: #ffffff;\">Opponent<\/span><\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong><span style=\"color: #ffffff;\">Date<\/span><\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong><span style=\"color: #ffffff;\">Result<\/span><\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">Daniel Dubois<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">19 July 2025<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"color: #ffffff;\"><b>Win (TKO R5) \u2013 for the IBF Title<\/b><\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">Tyson Fury (II)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">21 December 2024<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"color: #ffffff;\"><b>Win (UD) \u2013 Retained the Undisputed Title<\/b><\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">Tyson Fury (I)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">18 May 2024<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"color: #ffffff;\"><b>Win (SD) \u2013 Retained the Undisputed Title<\/b><\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">Daniel Dubois<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">26 August 2023<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"color: #ffffff;\"><b>Win (KO R9) \u2013 Retained the Undisputed Title<\/b><\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">Anthony Joshua (II)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">20 August 2022<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"color: #ffffff;\"><b>Win (SD) \u2013 Retained the Undisputed Title<\/b><\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><b>Rico Verhoeven \u2013 \u2018The King of Kickboxing\u2019 (1-0 boxing, 60-10 kickboxing)<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There is no precedent for what Verhoeven is trying to do. He will be walking straight into the lion\u2019s den, trying to capture a unified heavyweight world title fight for the WBC, IBF and The Ring championship with <\/span><b>exactly one professional boxing bout on his record<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. And that very fight happened in 2014, when the Dutchman fought a journeyman named Janos Finfera. No fighter has ever challenged for the heavyweight championship of the world with less conventional boxing experience.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">And yet, if you write him off, you\u2019d be making quick and silly assumptions, because Verhoeven is a <\/span><b>champion in combat sports<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. A pro athlete since 16, \u2018King of Kickboxing\u2019 has had sparring sessions with Tyson Fury and has been the No. 1-ranked heavyweight kickboxer in the world for around a decade. His GLORY record is impeccable \u2013 13 consecutive title defences and a last professional loss suffered in 2015\u2026 That means Verhoeven is riding a 22-fight winning streak in kickboxing, and that\u2019s a colossal feat on its own.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s not much use talking about his kickboxing style, since much of it won\u2019t translate to a discipline where kicks are forbidden. However, a 6\u20195\u201d, 265 lb orthodox puncher with enormous natural power seems like the combination you\u2019d get <\/span><b>by taking Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury, and blending them into one<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Regardless of Verhoeven\u2019s track record, Usyk\u2019s defensive boxing IQ, his ring generalship and his southpaw angles will present problems that no kickboxer\u2019s preparation can fully replicate. Let\u2019s wait and see how he squares up.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><b>Rico Verhoeven \u2013 Boxing Record<\/b><\/h3>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><strong><span style=\"color: #ffffff;\">Opponent<\/span><\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong><span style=\"color: #ffffff;\">Date<\/span><\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong><span style=\"color: #ffffff;\">Result<\/span><\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">Janos Finfera<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">26 April 2014<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"color: #ffffff;\"><b>Win (KO R4)<\/b><\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><b>Tale of the Tape<\/b><\/h2>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><strong><span style=\"color: #ffffff;\">Oleksandr Usyk<\/span><\/strong><\/td>\n<td><\/td>\n<td><strong><span style=\"color: #ffffff;\">Rico Verhoeven<\/span><\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">Oleksandr Usyk<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"color: #ffffff;\"><b>Name<\/b><\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">Rico Verhoeven<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">37<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"color: #ffffff;\"><b>Age<\/b><\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">37<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">The Cat<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"color: #ffffff;\"><b>Nickname<\/b><\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">The King of Kickboxing<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">6\u2032 3\u2033 \/ 190 cm<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"color: #ffffff;\"><b>Height<\/b><\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">6\u2032 5\u2033 \/ 196 cm<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">78\u2033 \/ 198 cm<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"color: #ffffff;\"><b>Reach<\/b><\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">79\u2033 \/ 200 cm<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">Southpaw<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"color: #ffffff;\"><b>Stance<\/b><\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">Orthodox<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">24-0, 15 KOs (boxing)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"color: #ffffff;\"><b>Professional Record<\/b><\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">1-0, 1 KO (boxing)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">63%<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"color: #ffffff;\"><b>KO Ratio (boxing)<\/b><\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">100%<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">Simferopol, Ukraine<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"color: #ffffff;\"><b>Hometown<\/b><\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">Bergen op Zoom, Netherlands<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">2013<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"color: #ffffff;\"><b>Boxing Debut<\/b><\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">2014<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">Anatoly Lomachenko<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"color: #ffffff;\"><b>Trainer<\/b><\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">Dennis Krauweel<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><b>Usyk vs Verhoeven \u2013 Paths to Victory<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While it seems like one of the most asymmetric matchups on paper, both men do have credible routes to victory. Here\u2019s what each one must do on 23 May to claim victory.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><b>How Can Usyk Win?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Ukrainian champion\u2019s pathway to success seems clearer of the two, and by a considerable margin at that.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">His <\/span><b>southpaw stance is uncomfortable for many orthodox opponents<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Combine that with his rapid footwork and high-volume combo punching, and Verhoeven might have problems that even a champion of his calibre can\u2019t overcome. In both Fury fights, Usyk neutralised a man with a six-inch height advantage through relentless lateral movement and brilliant inside work. Verhoeven presents a similar physical challenge.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The most efficient way for \u2018the Cat\u2019 to defend his belt may <\/span><b>go through the body shots<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Time and time again, Usyk has shown how relentless attacks on the body weaken his opponents (e.g., Joshua and Dubois). A kickboxer\u2019s torso is conditioned primarily to absorb low kicks rather than sustained boxing combos. This may leave Verhoeven more susceptible to a strong body attack. Let\u2019s see what masterclass the champ has in store for 23 May.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><b>How Can Verhoeven Win?\u00a0<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While much narrower, the path to victory for Rico Verhoeven does exist. No surprises here \u2013 the Dutchman needs to get it done early. If the giant is <\/span><b>lucky to land one or two right hands clearly<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (in the first 3-5 rounds), it can be all she wrote. Yet, in case that doesn\u2019t happen, Usyk\u2019s rhythm may take over, and Verhoeven\u2019s lack of boxing-specific conditioning can be a huge issue.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A secondary strategy would rely on the <\/span><b>use of his size and physical dominance<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. If it\u2019s possible, he\u2019ll need to impose his body in the clinch and disrupt the champion\u2019s rhythm as early as possible. If the bout resembles a brawl rather than a technical contest, Verhoeven\u2019s odds should be much better.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><b>How to Watch Usyk vs Verhoeven in the UK?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you want to see this unique boxing matchup live in the UK, you need to purchase PPV on DAZN. The main card is expected to begin at 7:00 PM BST, with the main event ring walks expected around 10:00 PM BST.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, DAZN Ultimate subscribers receive PPV access at no additional cost, so check out the terms on DAZN\u2019s website. If you\u2019re subscribed, you can download the app to stream the event on Smart TVs, PCs, Apple devices, Android devices, Fire TV, and Roku.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><b>FAQ<\/b><\/h2>\n<h3><b>Is This a Legitimate World Title Fight?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Technically, yes. However, there\u2019s still the matter of perspective and tradition to be discussed. The WBC sanctioned Verhoeven as a legitimate contender; however, their decision was widely criticised by ranked mandatory contenders.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Why was Rico Verhoeven Chosen for Usyk\u2019s Title Defence?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Since the event is promoted under the Riyadh Season umbrella (backed by Turki Alalshikh), it carries a commercial spectacle value alongside conventional boxing. Verhoeven is the most recognisable (arguably) kickboxer in the world, so the crossover appeal is there.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>What Happens to the Winner?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If Usyk wins, it\u2019s almost certain that the next logical step in the heavyweight division points to the winner of the Fury vs Joshua event, which is scheduled for later in 2026. However, if Verhoeven wins, all previous predictions immediately become irrelevant.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><em><strong><span style=\"color: #18ae62;\">Betting is only available to participants above 18 years. Please bet responsibly. BeGambleAware.org<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In recent years, boxing has flirted with crossover spectacles on more than one occasion. However, what\u2019s set for 23 May<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":16,"featured_media":21908,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[498],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-21904","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-boxing"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v26.7 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Usyk vs Verhoeven | Fight Preview &amp; Betting Odds | 7bet<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Usyk defends his unified heavyweight titles against kickboxing legend Rico Verhoeven at the Pyramids of Giza. 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