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Usyk defends decision to fight kickboxer Verhoeven

On Tuesday, Oleksandr Usyk announced a voluntary WBC heavyweight title defense against Dutch kickboxer Rico Verhoeven in a 12-round bout on May 23 at the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt.
The unexpected opportunity arose after a fatal car crash involving Anthony Joshua late last year, which claimed the lives of two teammates and derailed a planned bout between Verhoeven and Joshua.
Defending the choice to fight a 'novice,' Usyk noted the 6-foot-5, 265-pound Verhoeven is a 'dangerous guy.' The challenger presents a different puzzle for the under 230 lbs champion.
Hollywood actor Jason Statham helped initiate this opportunity, Verhoeven claimed. Trainer Peter Fury noted Verhoeven was offered 'a lot more money in other sports' before committing to the boxing challenge.
Joshua recently told Netflix that 'contracts will be sent over' regarding a potential matchup with Tyson Fury, while promoter Eddie Hearn remains optimistic about finalizing a fight later this year.

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Bizarre Pyramid Fight: Vorlauter Kickboxer Mocks Heavyweight World Champion Usyk

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Usyk defends decision to fight kickboxer Verhoeven

April 15 : World heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk said he should be allowed to do what he wants for once following criticism of his decision to put his WBC title on the line against Dutch kickboxer Rico Verhoeven.Usyk, who has not boxed since beating Britain's Daniel Dubois at London's Wembley Stadium las

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Rico Verhoeven vows to be a "different type of puzzle" for heavyweight boxing champion Oleksandr Usyk to solve when the two square off May 23 at the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt.

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