Russian Boxer Calls Verhoeven’s Chances Against Usyk ‘Nearly Zero’.

Usyk vs. Verhoeven: Fight Prediction

According to Novyny.live: Russian boxer Dmitry Kudryashov has shared his take on the upcoming clash between Ukrainian champion Oleksandr Usyk and Dutch kickboxer Rico Verhoeven. In his view, Usyk’s vast experience far outweighs Verhoeven’s, making the Ukrainian a clear favorite. The bout is scheduled for May 23 and will take place in Egypt, organized by Turki Alalshikh.

Usyk is a three-time undisputed world heavyweight champion and a two-time champion in the super heavyweight division. Verhoeven, meanwhile, is a long-reigning Glory kickboxing champion but has only one professional boxing match under his belt. According to Kudryashov, this disparity in boxing experience will heavily limit Verhoeven’s chances of victory.

“Verhoeven’s chances of beating Usyk are extremely slim—roughly 0.01 percent”

Dmitry Kudryashov

Kudryashov also predicted that bookmakers would likely agree with his assessment, placing Usyk as the overwhelming favorite. “The main question is which round he’ll finish the fight in,” he added. The Usyk–Verhoeven matchup has been sanctioned solely by the World Boxing Council (WBC), underscoring its significance in the boxing world.

Why This Fight Matters

The Usyk vs. Verhoeven fight is considered a major event not only for both athletes but also for the broader combat sports community, as it bridges two distinct disciplines—boxing and kickboxing. A win for Usyk would further cement his status as one of the greatest modern boxers, while for Verhoeven, this bout represents a chance to prove his skills in a new arena. Anticipation around the fight is building, with fans eagerly awaiting the outcome.