Usyk Defends Controversial Verhoeven Fight as Critics Question Egypt Showdown

Oleksandr Usyk has heard the skeptics, and he is not particularly concerned. The unified heavyweight world champion addressed the growing controversy surrounding his May 23 bout against Rico Verhoeven on Tuesday, telling reporters at a London news conference that he has earned the right to make his own choices in the twilight of his storied career.

For me it is a challenge. Rico is a great guy, a dangerous guy, Usyk said during the stare-down with Verhoeven, who holds a 66-6 record in kickboxing but has boxed professionally only once since 2014. 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 bout, set at the foot of the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt, has drawn sharp criticism from throughout the boxing world. Verhoeven, 37, has just one professional boxing fight to his name, a stoppage win over an opponent who had never won a fight. That opponent, it should be noted, was Przemyslaw Glogowski, who retired with a 0-5 professional record. Usyk, 39, is a former Olympic gold medallist, two-time undisputed cruiserweight champion, and current two-time undisputed heavyweight champion with an unblemished 24-0 professional record. The WBC title will be on the line.

Critics have pointed to the apparent mismatch, particularly given the world title being contested. Usyk dismissed those concerns with characteristic composure. When asked about the secret to his success, he offered a wry smile: hard training and good pasta — double portion.

Verhoeven, who has sparred with Tyson Fury and trained alongside UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall, came across as composed and confident. He was previously lined up to face Anthony Joshua before Joshua was involved in a car crash last year that claimed the lives of two of his friends. But this is even bigger and better, Verhoeven said. Our idea was undisputed versus undisputed. That is how this fight came about. It is something very special.

Usyk also offered a prediction for the broader heavyweight picture, saying Joshua would become the next undisputed champion and adding that he would step aside if Joshua and Fury could reach agreement on their long-discussed bout. AJ wins. It is future undisputed champion, Usyk said.

The bout had faced questions about a potential relocation due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, but organizers insist the fight will proceed as planned at the unique Egyptian setting.