Usyk Dismisses Critics and Defends Legacy Ahead of Historic Pyramid Bout Against Verhoeven

Oleksandr Usyk has never been a man afraid to chart his own course, and the unified heavyweight champion made that abundantly clear at a London news conference as he defended his choice to face kickboxing convert Rico Verhoeven at the foot of the pyramids of Giza on 23 May.

The fight has divided the boxing world. Verhoeven, 37, has boxed professionally only once, a stoppage win in 2014, while building a reputation as one of kickboxing's most dominant heavyweight ever, winning 66 of his 76 bouts in that sport. Usyk, by contrast, is one of the most decorated fighters in boxing history: Olympic gold medallist, undisputed cruiserweight champion, two-time undisputed heavyweight champion, and unbeaten in 24 professional contests.

Despite that vast gulf in experience, the WBC world title will be on the line, a fact that has drawn sharp criticism from pundits who view it as a mismatch.

"For me it's a challenge," Usyk said. "Rico is a great guy, a dangerous guy. 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 had originally been linked to Anthony Joshua before the Briton's involvement was derailed by a car crash that claimed the lives of two friends. Verhoeven, who has previously sparred with Tyson Fury and trained alongside UFC champion Tom Aspinall, said the opportunity still feels surreal.

"Our idea was undisputed versus undisputed," Verhoeven said. "That's how this fight came about. It's something very special."

Usyk offered a bold prediction when asked about the future of the division, naming Anthony Joshua as the man who will eventually become the next undisputed champion, adding that Joshua is currently training with him. Should Tyson Fury and Joshua ever agree to fight, Usyk says he would step aside to let it happen.

"AJ wins. It's future undisputed champion," Usyk declared. The Ukrainian champion then wrapped up with a touch of his characteristic wit when asked about the secret behind his longevity at the top of the sport: "Hard training and good pasta. Double portion."

The unique setting at the foot of the pyramids adds to the spectacle of an already extraordinary occasion. Despite ongoing geopolitical concerns in the Middle East, organisers insist the event will proceed as planned.