Former opponents Tony Bellew and Malik Scott provided analysis during the face-off. Both predicted Usyk “won’t move,” and neither fighter broke first. They were turned away simultaneously.
Bellew said the only viable strategy for Verhoeven is to “show no respect, throw the kitchen sink, get in early and don’t stop” with sustained pressure for the first three to four rounds. After Usyk adjusts, it’s over. Scott flagged Verhoeven’s wrestling and clinch game as a potential X-factor, noting Usyk does wrestling three times a week but has never truly been tested there.
Both agreed Verhoeven’s engine and conditioning are the biggest unknowns. He has never been tested at this level of duration and intensity in a boxing ring. On the “Buster Douglas” comparison, Bellew said an upset would be equally shocking but placed Verhoeven at roughly 10-15/1 odds, not 49/1 like Tyson was against Douglas.
Undercard
The May 23 card features multiple title fights. Hamzah Sheeraz faces Alem Begic for the vacant WBO super middleweight title. Frank Sanchez vs. Richard Torrez Jr. serves as an IBF heavyweight eliminator with Usyk’s mandatory challenger on the line. Jack Catterall meets Shakhram Giyasov for the WBA regular welterweight belt.
Matchroom Boxing and Ring Magazine present Oleksandr Usyk vs Rico Verhoeven: Glory in Giza, WBC heavyweight title fight, on May 23, 2026 at the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt. The event streams exclusively on DAZN.
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