Usyk Stands by Controversial Verhoeven Clash as Critics Question Matchup

Oleksandr Usyk has refused to back down from his high-profile showdown with Rico Verhoeven, telling critics at a London news conference that he should be allowed to do what he wants with his remaining time at the top of the sport.

The unified heavyweight world champion, who puts his WBC title on the line against the Dutch kickboxing great in Egypt on 23 May, acknowledged the widespread skepticism around the matchup but made clear he sees it as a personal challenge rather than a competitive contest.

For me it is a challenge, Usyk said. Rico is a great guy, a dangerous guy. 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.

Verhoeven, 37, has competed in professional boxing only once, way back in 2014, while 39-year-old Usyk remains one of the most decorated fighters in boxing history. The Ukrainian is an Olympic gold medallist, former undisputed cruiserweight champion, and two-time undisputed heavyweight champion with a perfect 24-fight professional record.

Verhoeven arrives with a fearsome reputation from his kickboxing career, having won 66 of his 76 fights in the ring before departing the sport in November. His one professional boxing bout ended in a stoppage victory over an opponent who had never won a fight.

The bout, scheduled to take place at the foot of the pyramids of Giza, has drawn sharp criticism from boxing fans and analysts who question why a world heavyweight title is at stake in what many consider a significant mismatch.

Usyk dismissed the concerns and offered a lighter moment when asked about his success formula: hard training and good pasta, double portion, he said with a smile.

Looking ahead, the champion stated he expects Anthony Joshua to become the next undisputed heavyweight champion and revealed he would step aside to allow Joshua and Tyson Fury to finally meet if terms could be agreed. Usyk has previously indicated his intention to face the winner of Fabio Wardley versus Daniel Dubois following the Verhoeven fight, before a potential third bout with Fury.

Verhoeven, who has sparred with Fury and trained alongside UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall, cut a composed figure throughout the press conference. Our idea was undisputed versus undisputed, he said. That is how this fight came about. It is something very special.

Organisers confirmed the fight remains scheduled for Egypt despite ongoing conflict concerns in the Middle East.