Oleksandr Usyk Targets Final Fights, Begins with Rico Verhoeven

Ukrainian heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk has identified his desired final fight as he prepares for an upcoming clash with kickboxing star Rico Verhoeven. The bout is scheduled for May 23, 2024, at the iconic Pyramids of Giza in Egypt, where Usyk will defend his WBC world title. This match marks Usyk’s first return to the ring since his victory over Daniel Dubois on July 23, 2023, when he claimed a third-round stoppage to become a two-division undisputed champion.

While Usyk has built a reputation for facing formidable opponents, this upcoming fight with Verhoeven is noteworthy. The Dutch kickboxer has only participated in one professional boxing match, which took place in 2014 against Janos Finfera, a fighter with a record of 0-5. Verhoeven won that bout by second-round knockout, making his transition to boxing a curious choice against the established champion.

Usyk holds a distinguished record in the heavyweight division, having secured victories against top contenders such as Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua, and Dubois. At the age of 39, he has indicated that he plans to retire soon, stating he has only three fights left in his career. Following his bout with Verhoeven, Usyk expressed interest in facing the winner of the upcoming WBO world title defence between Fabio Wardley and Dubois, scheduled for May 9, 2024.

The prospect of a trilogy fight with Fury looms large as Usyk’s ultimate farewell. In an interview with Associated Press, Usyk revealed that he aspires to conclude his illustrious career with a final showdown against the Gypsy King. Notably, Usyk has already triumphed over Fury twice in 2024, with their first match resulting in a closely contested split decision after Fury suffered a knockdown in the ninth round.

As Usyk gears up for this significant match, the boxing world will be watching closely to see how he performs against Verhoeven and whether he can maintain his dominance in the sport. The Pyramids of Giza serve as a fitting backdrop for what could be a historic chapter in Usyk’s career, as he prepares to take the next step toward his ultimate boxing ambitions.