Rico Verhoeven’s transition from kickboxing to boxing is already attracting heavy scrutiny after new training footage from his camp ahead of a fight with Oleksandr Usyk surfaced online.
The Dutch heavyweight is preparing to face Usyk on 23 May in a crossover bout that has generated significant interest.
Verhoeven is widely considered one of the greatest kickboxers of all time after a long reign as Glory heavyweight champion.
However, the move to boxing represents a very different challenge. Usyk, one of the most technically gifted boxers of his generation, is widely expected to enter the fight as a heavy favourite.
Fans question Rico Verhoeven’s boxing technique in training footage
The newly released footage showing Verhoeven working in a boxing gym quickly spread across social media, with many fans questioning whether the kickboxing legend’s style will translate to the boxing ring.
“I’m sorry but although Verhoeven is an amazing kickboxer, he seems too stiff for a fight with USYK! Usyk will obviously outbox him… I’m still gonna watch the fight though,” one fan wrote.
Another viewer added: “You can so clearly see he has the stance of a kickboxer that’s just far too square-on and upright for boxing, you can’t be both of those things and have good balance.”
A third fan referenced Usyk’s trademark left hand called ‘Ivan’, saying: “If he moves like that on the night then he’s definitely not upsetting anyone… Ivan is gonna put him to sleep on top of the pyramid of Giza and that’s guaranteed.”
Another reaction was equally blunt.
“I dont get it. Nothing extraordinary happening here. In fact, looking at his technique, he’s gonna get smoked.”
Rico Verhoeven chose boxing path instead of MMA opportunities
The crossover bout comes at a time when several combat sports promotions have tried to lure elite fighters into different disciplines.
Verhoeven himself previously revealed he rejected what he described as a “really decent offer” to join the UFC, choosing instead to explore opportunities in boxing.
The Dutchman has also been linked with a fight against Francis Ngannou under Jake Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions banner, but he was seduced by the offer to fight the Ukrainian boxing champion.
Should Verhoeven score an upset, he will become the WBC heavyweight champion in just his second professional boxing bout.
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