Usyk Defends Verhoeven Clash as Career-Ending Chapter Opens in Cairo

Oleksandr Usyk has heard the skeptics and he is not particularly interested in their opinions. The unified heavyweight world champion defended his decision to face Rico Verhoeven next month in Egypt, telling reporters at a London news conference that after years of doing what others required of him, he is now doing what he wants.

For me it is a challenge. Rico is a great guy, a dangerous guy, Usyk said during the face-off with his Dutch opponent. 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 fight, scheduled for May 23 at the foot of the pyramids of Giza, has drawn fierce criticism from boxing fans and analysts who view it as a significant mismatch. The WBC title will be on the line, and questions have been raised about why the governing body approved such a bout for one of the sport's most prestigious belts.

Verhoeven, 37, has competed professionally only once, a stoppage win in 2014 against an opponent who had never previously won a fight. His credentials come from a distinguished kickboxing career where he compiled a 66-6 record across 76 fights before stepping away from the sport last November. Usyk, by contrast, is one of the most decorated fighters in boxing history, an Olympic gold medallist, former undisputed cruiserweight champion and two-time undisputed heavyweight champion who remains unbeaten in 24 professional outings.

The bout was originally scheduled to potentially take place elsewhere due to the conflict in the Middle East, but organizers insist the Giza setting will proceed as planned, promising a unique spectacle at one of the world's most iconic landmarks.

Verhoeven appeared confident and composed during the news conference, despite it being his first extended public appearance in the boxing world. He has previously sparred with Tyson Fury and trained alongside UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall, and was initially lined up to face Anthony Joshua before the British fighter's car accident last year. Our idea was undisputed versus undisputed. That is how this fight came about. It is something very special, Verhoeven said.

Looking further ahead, Usyk said he plans to face the winner of Fabio Wardley versus Daniel Dubois following the Verhoeven fight, before a potential trilogy with Tyson Fury. However, he added he would step aside if Fury and Joshua could finally agree to their long-discussed bout. AJ wins. It is future undisputed champion, Usyk predicted. When asked about the secret to his longevity, the 39-year-old champion kept things light. Hard training and good pasta, he said with a smile. Double portion.