Unified heavyweight world champion Oleksandr Usyk has defended his decision to face kickboxing legend Rico Verhoeven in a highly unusual title fight scheduled for May 23 in Egypt.
At a London news conference that included predictions about Anthony Joshua's future and a tense two-minute face-off, Usyk made it clear this matchup represents a personal choice in the twilight of his storied career.
"For me it's a challenge. Rico is a great guy, a dangerous guy," Usyk said. "One time I want to do what I want, not what I need. A lot of time I do what other people need. You have to box this person, or this or this. I say okay. Now I do what I want."
The contest has drawn criticism as a potential mismatch, particularly because Usyk's WBC world title will be on the line. Usyk, 39, remains unbeaten in 24 professional bouts and is one of boxing's most decorated fighters—an Olympic gold medalist, undisputed cruiserweight champion, and two-time undisputed heavyweight champion.
Verhoeven, 37, has boxed professionally only once—a stoppage victory in 2014 against an opponent who had never won a professional fight. The Dutch fighter built his reputation in kickboxing, winning 66 of 76 fights before announcing his departure from that sport in November.
In a surprising revelation, Verhoeven explained that actor Jason Statham helped persuade Saudi organizers to give him this opportunity.
"When I land my best punch on him, of course he will go down," Verhoeven predicted. "There is a 20 kilo weight difference. He's a built-up cruiserweight. I'm a natural heavyweight. That's the difference."
The news conference took a serious turn during the traditional face-off, with Usyk refusing to budge an inch until promoter Eddie Hearn—who sat on Verhoeven's side but has no ties to either fighter—stepped in to end the staredown.
Usyk, known for his relaxed demeanor, joked about his success when asked about his preparation: "Hard training and good pasta—double portion."
The unified champion has previously indicated plans to face the winner of Fabio Wardley versus Daniel Dubois after the Verhoeven bout, followed by a potential trilogy fight with Tyson Fury.