The famous kickboxer from the Netherlands, 37-year-old Rico Verhoeven, decided to stir up the atmosphere before his fight with the undefeated world boxing champion, 39-year-old Ukrainian Oleksandr Usyk, as part of the “Glory in Giza” boxing evening on May 23 in Egypt, by making a loud statement.
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“I’m going to blow Usyk’s head off. That’s what I’m going to do. I’m about 50-55 pounds heavier (22-25 kg. — Author ). As soon as I hit, it’s going to be completely different. I’m going to shock the world in front of the pyramids, in this crazy atmosphere. I really like it. In kickboxing, I used to work more with my feet, but now we have the opportunity to use our hands much more,” said Rico Verhoeven .
Let us recall that the Dutchman, who visited the national museum after arriving in Egypt, has only one boxing match in his track record. In April 2014, Verhoeven knocked out little-known Hungarian boxer Janos Finfera.
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We should add that the WBC heavyweight world title and The Ring trophy will be at stake in the fight at the foot of the Giza pyramids. The Ukrainian will also defend the WBA and IBF belts, but in case of defeat, they will become vacant and will not go to Rico.
At the same time, the WBC produced a ceremonial “King of the Nile” belt decorated with 24-carat gold for the winner of the fight.
By the way, Usyk, who defeated Daniel Dubois in his last fight in the summer of 2025, arrived in Egypt a little less than a week before the fight with his team and a stuffed donkey, which his eldest daughter Elizabeth once gave him for good luck.
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pic.twitter.com/KqMiWEOe7H
— Ring Magazine (@ringmagazine) May 17, 2026
According to unofficial data, Verhoeven is guaranteed to receive 10-15 million euros for the fight in Africa, while Usyk will be able to count on an amount of 35 million and above.
Previously, “FACTS” reported that Usyk had found an undefeated opponent for the fight after his fight with a giant kickboxer.
Photo WBC
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