Harrison: Verhoeven can't beat Usyk, but deserves fight
#Oleksandr Usyk#Rico Verhoeven#WBC heavyweight title#Giza Egypt#Kickboxing vs boxing#Liam Harrison#Frank Warren
📌 Key Takeaways
Usyk will defend his WBC heavyweight title against kickboxer Rico Verhoeven in Egypt on May 23, 2026
Kickboxing legend Liam Harrison believes Verhoeven deserves the fight but cannot defeat Usyk
The fight is part of Usyk's strategy to seek high-value paydays after establishing dominance in boxing
Verhoeven, though primarily a kickboxer, has some boxing experience and is the dominant heavyweight in his sport
📖 Full Retelling
Unified heavyweight world champion Oleksandr Usyk will face elite kickboxer Rico Verhoeven for the WBC heavyweight title in Giza, Egypt on May 23, 2026, as confirmed by boxing promoter Frank Warren, with kickboxing legend Liam Harrison stating that while Verhoeven deserves the opportunity, he cannot defeat the dominant Usyk who is seeking valuable paydays after establishing himself as the best heavyweight in boxing. The announcement came during a tumultuous week in boxing that also saw Floyd Mayweather ink a rematch with Manny Pacquiao and Conor Benn make a shock move to US promoter Zuffa, booking a slot on Tyson Fury's undercard. Harrison, a British Muay Thai legend who has starred in ONE Championship, believes that despite Verhoeven's status as the 'King of Kickboxing' with an extraordinary championship reign, he stands little chance against Usyk, who has never lost a professional bout and has beaten elite heavyweights like Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury multiple times each. Boxing promoter Frank Warren, who represents both Usyk's previous mandatory challenger Fabio Wardley and upcoming mandatory Agit Kabayel, explained that Usyk is now prioritizing fights based on their financial value, similar to what Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury have done with their crossover bouts, viewing these potentially as easier paths to substantial paydays after cementing his legacy as the heavyweight of the 21st century.
Ricardo "Rico" Verhoeven (born 10 April 1989) is a Dutch professional kickboxer, former professional boxer and mixed martial artist. He formerly competed in the Heavyweight division of GLORY, where he was the promotion’s longest-reigning Heavyweight Champion, while also defending the title a record ...
Oleksandr Oleksandrovych Usyk (Ukrainian: Олександр Олександрович Усик, pronounced [olekˈsɑndr ˈusɪk]; born 17 January 1987) is a Ukrainian professional boxer. He has held the unified heavyweight championship since 2025, and the Ring magazine title since 2022. He held the undisputed championship in ...
This article details a boxing match between Oleksandr Usyk, the unified heavyweight champion, and Rico Verhoeven, a renowned kickboxer. It highlights Usyk's dominance in boxing and the financial motivations behind this crossover fight, offering insight into the current landscape of combat sports.
Context & Background
Oleksandr Usyk is the undisputed heavyweight boxing champion.
Rico Verhoeven is a highly successful kickboxer with a long winning streak.
Crossover fights between boxing and other combat sports are becoming increasingly common.
What Happens Next
The fight between Usyk and Verhoeven is scheduled for May 23rd in Giza, Egypt. This event is expected to generate significant interest due to the contrasting backgrounds of the two athletes and the potential for a surprising outcome.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Usyk fighting a kickboxer?
Usyk is seeking lucrative paydays and potentially viewing crossover fights as easier opponents compared to top-tier boxers.
What is Rico Verhoeven's boxing experience?
Verhoeven has some professional boxing experience, having won his only fights in both boxing and MMA, but he is primarily known for his kickboxing career.
What does Liam Harrison think about the fight?
Liam Harrison believes Usyk is unbeatable and that Verhoeven will need to utilize leg kicks to gain any advantage.
Original Source
Exclusive Rico Verhoeven can't beat Oleksandr Usyk but he still deserves this fight, says kickboxing legend Liam Harrison Oleksandr Usyk will next box Rico Verhoeven, the elite heavyweight kickboxer with an extraordinary championship reign in his sport, in Giza; Liam Harrison, a legend of Muay Thai kickboxing himself, breaks down the fight and boxing promoter Frank Warren explains why Usyk is taking it John Dennen Sports Journalist @johndennen Friday 27 February 2026 22:28, UK Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player Muay Thai fighter Liam Harrison believes no one can beat Oleksandr Usyk in boxing, as kickboxer Rico Verhoeven eyes up next fight. Oleksandr Usyk sprang a surprise of his own in a tumultuous week in the world of boxing. This week Floyd Mayweather inked a rematch with Manny Pacquiao and Conor Benn made a shock move to US promoter Zuffa, booking a slot on Tyson Fury's undercard. On Friday Usyk, the unified heavyweight world champion, revealed he would box a kickboxer when he returns to the ring. Usyk will fight Rico Verhoeven for the WBC heavyweight world title on May 23 in Giza, Egypt. Oleksandr Usyk to defend title in Egypt against 'King of Kickboxing' Buy tickets for Caroline Dubois vs Terri Harper at London's Olympia Not got Sky? Get Sky Sports or stream with no contract on NOW --> Captivate This content is provided by Captivate , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Captivate cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options . Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Captivate cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Captivate cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once The WBC has allowed Usyk a voluntary defence of its belt before he has to face his ma...
