Oleksandr Usyk, the undefeated unified heavyweight champion, is focused on making a memorable impact before retiring from boxing, starting with a title defense against kickboxing champion Rico Verhoeven on May 23 in Egypt. Usyk clarified that a fight with YouTube star Jake Paul is unlikely due to their friendship. While he acknowledges the appeal of crossover fights, he maintains a commitment to pursuing legitimate boxing challenges, ultimately planning a showdown with Tyson Fury for his final bout.

By the Numbers
  • Usyk holds a professional record of 24 wins, 0 losses, with 15 knockouts.
  • Rico Verhoeven has a kickboxing record of 66 wins, 10 losses, with 21 KOs.
Yes, But

While Usyk embraces the entertainment value of unique fights, he faces criticism from boxing purists who may view such matchups as diluting the sport's integrity.

State of Play
  • Usyk is preparing seriously for his upcoming fight with Verhoeven, focusing on cognitive training to enhance his in-ring decision-making.
  • After his defense against Verhoeven, Usyk plans two more fights before potentially facing Tyson Fury.
What's Next

Post-fight, Usyk aims to transition back to traditional boxing opponents, with a spotlight on a highly anticipated match against Tyson Fury, marking a pivotal chapter in his career.

Bottom Line

Usyk’s approach blends competitive passion with showmanship, highlighting his goal to transition boxing into a broader entertainment realm as he prepares for significant future bouts.