Home / Sports / Joshua: Verhoeven's Usyk Upset Chance Slim
Joshua: Verhoeven's Usyk Upset Chance Slim
22 May
Summary
- Rico Verhoeven faces Oleksandr Usyk in a rare professional boxing match.
- Anthony Joshua rates Verhoeven's chance of victory as single-digit percentage.
- Usyk is expected to defeat Verhoeven within three or four rounds.
Unified heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk is set to defend his WBC title against kickboxing legend Rico Verhoeven. Anthony Joshua, who has trained with Usyk, believes Verhoeven has a minimal chance of victory. "I give him single-figure percentage chance," stated Eddie Hearn, Usyk's promoter. Joshua elaborated on the mismatch, comparing it to draining an energy bar in a video game, suggesting Usyk's strategy.
Verhoeven, a decorated kickboxer, has competed in only one professional boxing match, a knockout win in 2014. In contrast, Usyk boasts an undefeated professional record, multiple championship titles, and an Olympic gold medal. Hearn predicted Usyk could potentially knock out Verhoeven within the first three or four rounds, a timeline Joshua hoped would extend for his own viewing pleasure.
