Usyk VS Verhoeven Pyramids in Giza May 23 Unified Heavyweight title

[acroman08]

That’s the only reason I can see. Usyk has been dominating this division, so it doesn’t make sense to say he’s avoiding contenders. If he’s not mandated to fight a specific challenger, then technically he can choose whoever he wants. What I’m confused about is this opponent. Why this guy? Is the money better than fighting a top contender, or is there something else behind the decision? That’s the real question for me.

But he was avoiding contenders. First, when he was ordered by the WBO to fight Parker, Usyk's team didn't properly negotiate with Parker's team, and then, Usyk's team asked for extended medical leave because of Usyk's "injury", but then he was seen playing in a football match, which made everyone suspicious of his injury. Then, when Parker lost to Wardley because Usyk "couldn't" fight him, Usyk's team finally said that he would vacate his WBO heavyweight title. In the end, Usyk didn't fight anyone he was ordered to fight.

[FinneysTrueVision]

But he was avoiding contenders. First, when he was ordered by the WBO to fight Parker, Usyk's team didn't properly negotiate with Parker's team, and then, Usyk's team asked for extended medical leave because of Usyk's "injury", but then he was seen playing in a football match, which made everyone suspicious of his injury. Then, when Parker lost to Wardley because Usyk "couldn't" fight him, Usyk's team finally said that he would vacate his WBO heavyweight title. In the end, Usyk didn't fight anyone he was ordered to fight.

Fighters can get complacent at the end of their careers when they have already achieved so much. It’s not any different from Canelo or Floyd who chose to avoid any risks unless they were offered a substantial amount of money. Usyk has earned the right to cherry pick whoever he wants, but I don’t really agree with him holding onto the belts until he is forcibly stripped.

[coin-investor]

Fighters can get complacent at the end of their careers when they have already achieved so much. It’s not any different from Canelo or Floyd who chose to avoid any risks unless they were offered a substantial amount of money. Usyk has earned the right to cherry pick whoever he wants, but I don’t really agree with him holding onto the belts until he is forcibly stripped.

I agree, but not picking a fighter who only had one boxing match. Kickboxing and boxing differ in their training; boxers have many variations of punches and are trained to measure distance and fight inside and outside, whereas kickboxers are trained to fight outside so they can deliver their kicks, and that's exactly what I saw on Verhoeven: he has weak defense, his arsenals are on his kicking skills you take that away and he is just an amateur.
I was hoping to see Usyk fighting Kabayel or Itauma; these two are worthy opponents and can give Usyk trouble.

[shinratensei_]

It's getting worsen with unfair advantage he got over rico. So i don't think this game is worthy enough to watch.

People will watch it out of curiosity. Verhoeven has many loyal fans who will cheer for him, and it's from the zone that they will sell this match. I can't wait to see their first faceoff so we can size both fighters.
What if the unimaginable happens, like Verhoeven beats Usyk? That could become the biggest upset in boxing, bigger than when Douglas beat Tyson, which will create a major shake-up in the boxing world.

I think that it's only your imagination. The fact that many go opposite to that by said Usyk is clearly the winner here. I admit Rico is a phenomenal kicker, but he will fight without able to use his legs. So, it likes he's fighting without his main weapon. Meanwhile, we know how good usyk at boxer.
This pretty much the same like you're seeing someone with weapon against someone without his weapon. So, the winner can be known so easily.

If i were to choose, i would good for Usyk here. Rico stand very very small chance to win this game. I don't underrated Rico, but i said about the fact.

[acroman08]

Fighters can get complacent at the end of their careers when they have already achieved so much. It’s not any different from Canelo or Floyd who chose to avoid any risks unless they were offered a substantial amount of money. Usyk has earned the right to cherry pick whoever he wants, but I don’t really agree with him holding onto the belts until he is forcibly stripped.

That's why a lot of boxers today are boring to watch, a lot of them cherry pick(though it is not something new) who they fight to protect their records, but then again, I understand why they do it, but it's just not exciting to watch, and it shows they do not want to challenge themselves.

[Mindyspace]

It'll be fun to watch, but in pure boxing Usyk wins easily. Verhoeven is incredible at kickboxing, but without being able to use his legs and knees, it's difficult to face the heavyweight champion. I think the result is obvious, a victory for Usyk, I could be wrong, but we'll see...

[TopTort777]

Why it is stated that Usyk will defend his undisputed heavyweight titles? Is this for real? There were no real boxers who wish to challenge him or obligatory opponents, that Usyk needs to fight kickboxer who is nobody in boxing? Looks like a freak show like Fury vs Ngannou when no belts were on stake. I see no real challenge for Usyk here. Simply easy money. Too early Usyk has started to get involved into freak and exhibition fights.

[fullfitlarry]

Why it is stated that Usyk will defend his undisputed heavyweight titles? Is this for real? There were no real boxers who wish to challenge him or obligatory opponents, that Usyk needs to fight kickboxer who is nobody in boxing? Looks like a freak show like Fury vs Ngannou when no belts were on stake. I see no real challenge for Usyk here. Simply easy money. Too early Usyk has started to get involved into freak and exhibition fights.

Yes, easy money for Usyk here, but what can he do? If he is being offered by the powerful broker from Saudi, then he would say "Yes" to him.

And I don't know about you guys, but I have tried to search for Verhoeven fights in MMA or kickboxing. Great champion but one thing I noticed is that he has a weak chin. There are games that he was drop like 3x in the first round.

So just imagine if a pure boxer with punching power will do to him. He might not get up in the first knockdown.

[nimogsm]

They'll come up with all sorts of things to get money out of the audience. What happened? Are the heavyweight title contenders over? So this is no reason to give us such a dubious sight. But how about Usyk in boxing gloves versus Jason Statham with brass knuckles? How's that idea? Or some other nonsense. I've been coming to the disappointing conclusion for a long time that the most spectacular and interesting thing left in the heavyweight division is Jake Paul and his staged fights.

Unfortunately, this is where things are heading. There's a new trend now where different athletes "compete" against each other because they'll get a good payday after the fight, and people want entertainment, as professional sports are turning into Netflix series.I wouldn't be surprised if boxers soon start competing with basketball players or other athletes.

[Sithara007]

This sounds so weird. Usyk waited for a title defense for so long. And in the end he got an opponent. But the catch here is that his opponent is not a boxer as such, but a kickboxer. After 76 professional kickboxing matches, Ricardo Verhoeven woke up from his sleep one day and decided that he wants to be a boxer. BTW, he has one professional boxing match to his name (vs Janos Finfera, 12 years ago). I am not sure how this match will end up. The WBC heavyweight title fight will be between the defending champion, and someone who hasn't had a professional boxing match for the last 12 years.

[Yaunfitda]

This sounds so weird. Usyk waited for a title defense for so long. And in the end he got an opponent. But the catch here is that his opponent is not a boxer as such, but a kickboxer. After 76 professional kickboxing matches, Ricardo Verhoeven woke up from his sleep one day and decided that he wants to be a boxer. BTW, he has one professional boxing match to his name (vs Janos Finfera, 12 years ago). I am not sure how this match will end up. The WBC heavyweight title fight will be between the defending champion, and someone who hasn't had a professional boxing match for the last 12 years.

To be fair with Usyk though, it looks like he doesn't have to proved anything at the HW division, he beat everyone although there will also be some boxers that are going to rise like Murat Gassiev (WBA regular champion) or Agit Kabayel (WBC interim) and Fabio Wardley (WBO) or even Moses Itauma who could really be the future of this division. But as others have said, we are all disappointed on the chosen opponent for such a great HW boxing champion. Maybe he just want to not stress himself for this year and taking a light fight against Verhoeven. Perhaps our concern though is that there is a ongoing war on the Middle East and Saudi has been hit as well by Iran, so for sure HE Turki might be looking at this situation closely and I will not be surprised if this is going to be push later until everything has settled down.

[TopTort777]

Why it is stated that Usyk will defend his undisputed heavyweight titles? Is this for real? There were no real boxers who wish to challenge him or obligatory opponents, that Usyk needs to fight kickboxer who is nobody in boxing? Looks like a freak show like Fury vs Ngannou when no belts were on stake. I see no real challenge for Usyk here. Simply easy money. Too early Usyk has started to get involved into freak and exhibition fights.

Yes, easy money for Usyk here, but what can he do? If he is being offered by the powerful broker from Saudi, then he would say "Yes" to him.

And I don't know about you guys, but I have tried to search for Verhoeven fights in MMA or kickboxing. Great champion but one thing I noticed is that he has a weak chin. There are games that he was drop like 3x in the first round.

So just imagine if a pure boxer with punching power will do to him. He might not get up in the first knockdown.

What about self respect? He isnt a doggie, to who you just wave money and get yes-yes-yes and wagging tail. Why not fight Jake Paul then? It would be more money for sure. Or why not those Saudi organize a real challenging boxing fight if they have so much money? Why not beat AJ for the third time? Easy money as well. Why not take part in WWE? Same circus, well paid and less injury possible

Btw, is there any info that it will be sponsored by Saudi? Strange that they will fight in Egypt, as it does not seems to be most boxing place.

[acroman08]

Btw, is there any info that it will be sponsored by Saudi? Strange that they will fight in Egypt, as it does not seems to be most boxing place.

According to this article, the fight is sponsored by "The Ring", there is no mention in the article that it is sponsored by the Saudi. My guess as to why this is happening in Egypt is becuase who ever organized this fight made a deal with Egypt, I mean, this is a good tourist boost for them, they are also probably hoping people will fly in to watch the fight.

[robelneo]

My guess as to why this is happening in Egypt is becuase who ever organized this fight made a deal with Egypt, I mean, this is a good tourist boost for them, they are also probably hoping people will fly in to watch the fight.

I read somewhere, I can't recall the source, that they will attach the history of gladiators to Egypt to boost the match, but between Saudi Arabia and Egypt, I prefer Egypt because of what's happening in the Middle East.
Given what's happening in the Middle East, I hope it will not harm the match's promotion. The spotlight is now on the ongoing war; everything is set aside.

[Darker45]

I haven't heard of the name Rico Verhoeven. That's without disrespect. The man is acknowledged as a legend in kickboxing, of course. I wonder, however, how he's given a direct line to the undisputed championship right away without passing through the ranks first. He hasn't boxed for more than a decade and wasn't even a big name prior to that--fought only once as a professional, as a matter of fact--and yet he's given the chance to become an undisputed champion just like that. The sport of boxing would be shaken to the core if Usyk loses, and it's always a possibility.

[Yaunfitda]

I haven't heard of the name Rico Verhoeven. That's without disrespect. The man is acknowledged as a legend in kickboxing, of course. I wonder, however, how he's given a direct line to the undisputed championship right away without passing through the ranks first. He hasn't boxed for more than a decade and wasn't even a big name prior to that--fought only once as a professional, as a matter of fact--and yet he's given the chance to become an undisputed champion just like that. The sport of boxing would be shaken to the core if Usyk loses, and it's always a possibility.

Maybe his name was brought up by someone close to the power broker of boxing today and so he approved him knowing the Usyk has a good chance to beat him and at the same time, fans will see that Verhoeven is a legend and could give problems to Usyk in this fight. Sometimes you just got lucky if you're well known and maybe you have connections too that's why he as chosen. But as far as Usyk goes, this is just another fight, just to get his body busy and he won't have the ring rust if ever he will go and fight against pro-boxer in the Heavyweight division. Although it seems that he has clean this division, there are still interim champions that he need to face to really cemented his legacy as the best Heavyweight boxer in this era.

[Mpamaegbu]

Some of us will wonder who Rico Verhoeven is. He happens to be a legendary kickboxer.

Yes, I was wondering who the heck he was too. I had to check him out. I don't truly understand why the pure boxing world is agreeing to these crosses to challenge for belts. The other time it was a UFC fighter taking on Tyson Fury. Anthony Joshua had to stop that craze of his. If not that AJ TKOed him, Francis Ngannou would still be thinking he had a future in pure boxing. Now, we've a kickboxer challenging for a world unified title. It's crazy in my opinion. I don't like sports being crossed. Every sports man and woman should stay and compete in their chosen field and not crossed, except they trained for it from the beginning.

Anyway, my verdict on the bout. It's going to be an easy win for Usyk. In fact, a walkover.

[Vaculin]

Anyway, my verdict on the bout. It's going to be an easy win for Usyk. In fact, a walkover.

There’s really no question about that.

Regarding your observation, I think it’s valid. Boxing doesn’t feel the same anymore, sometimes it looks like they’re just chasing the money instead of protecting the sport itself. Big matchups are being pushed mainly because they generate huge revenue, not necessarily because they are the fights that should happen.

If boxing organizations keep allowing this kind of setup, it could slowly damage the sport. The best fighters won’t truly be recognized as the best if they don’t get the chance to fight each other and prove it in the ring. Lately it feels more like a popularity contest than a pure competition.

[nimogsm]

Anyway, my verdict on the bout. It's going to be an easy win for Usyk. In fact, a walkover.

There’s really no question about that.

Regarding your observation, I think it’s valid. Boxing doesn’t feel the same anymore, sometimes it looks like they’re just chasing the money instead of protecting the sport itself. Big matchups are being pushed mainly because they generate huge revenue, not necessarily because they are the fights that should happen.

If boxing organizations keep allowing this kind of setup, it could slowly damage the sport. The best fighters won’t truly be recognized as the best if they don’t get the chance to fight each other and prove it in the ring. Lately it feels more like a popularity contest than a pure competition.

This is where it's all heading: soon there will be media fights featuring bloggers and other influencers, and people will be much more interested in this than watching a fight between professional athletes. Advertising contracts and broadcast rights on a specific platform will do the trick.

[mirakal]

This is where it's all heading: soon there will be media fights featuring bloggers and other influencers, and people will be much more interested in this than watching a fight between professional athletes. Advertising contracts and broadcast rights on a specific platform will do the trick.

Are we really okay with this? Before these exhibition fights became popular, fans used to follow pro boxing because champions were expected to fight the best challengers. That was the whole point of the rankings and mandatory fights.

Now it feels like things have changed. Fighters can delay or skip certain opponents, especially if there’s no mandatory challenger yet, and instead go outside to exhibition fights because there’s big money there. They’re still active as professionals, but at the same time they can jump into exhibition events whenever there’s a good payday.

Honestly it’s getting a bit messy. What happens in those exhibitions could even affect their future in the pro scene. And sometimes you see unknown fighters getting priority while other boxers who have been waiting for their chance are still stuck in line. Hard to understand where the sport is heading with this.