Oleksandr Usyk, ahead of his showpiece heavyweight title defense against kickboxer Rico Verhoeven, has suggested that the end of his glittering career is nigh – and once he’s gone, he won’t be coming back.
Saturday’s 12-round bout, in Egypt, is a curious affair due to the 1-0 (1 KO) Verhoeven’s lack of experience in boxing. He made his name in kickboxing, a discipline in which he’s regarded one of the best ever. But the last time he boxed without the option of using his legs was when he made his debut 12 years ago.
“It’s going to be different,” Usyk admitted about taking on Verhoeven during an interview with DAZN. “But it’s going to be a great show. Of course, it’s a tough fight. It’s not an easy walk. It doesn’t matter who I am fighting, I am prepared 100 per cent.
“He’s a good challenge.”
The proof will be in the puddling with Usyk, 24-0 (15 KOs), an overwhelming favorite to get the 25th victory of a career that has seen him dominate at both cruiserweight and heavyweight.
In his last six bouts he has beaten each of Tyson Fury, Daniel Dubois and Anthony Joshua twice. It is that formidable run which has seen him twice win undisputed recognition at heavyweight and, for many fans, makes this ‘gimme’ against Verhoeven forgivable.
However, with the likes of Agit Kabayel, Moses Itauma, Filip Hrgovic and the Ukrainian’s three most recent rivals all among his leading contenders, there is no shortage of challenges for the 39-year-old Usyk.
The veteran, however, has suggested that only two further fights will follow Verhoeven.
“Three fights [including Verhoeven] and finished,” he said. “It’s not 100 per cent, but when I say I’m retired, I won’t be back.”
