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Usyk v Verhoeven world title fight predictions
TL;DR
Oleksandr Usyk defends his WBC world title against Rico Verhoeven on Saturday in Egypt. Verhoeven, a kickboxing champion, is seeking a major upset in only his second boxing match since 2014.
Key points
- Usyk defends WBC world title against Verhoeven
- Fight takes place in Egypt
- Verhoeven has only one previous boxing match
- Unusual location at the pyramids of Giza
- Verhoeven aims for a major upset
Mentioned in this story
Oleksandr UsykRico VerhoevenEgypt
Figure caption,
How an undisputed fight at the pyramids of Giza was influenced by Jason Statham
Oleksandr Usyk defends his WBC world title against Rico Verhoeven on Saturday in Egypt.
The fight is unusual in location as in nature, with kickboxing world champion Verhoeven getting a title shot in just his second boxing fight - and first since 2014.
The 37-year-old Dutchman is aiming to pull off arguably the biggest upset in the sport's history.
Ukrainian Usyk, 39, is aiming to continue his near 17-year winning streak.
Will we see an underdog win for the ages or will Usyk's dominance continue?
BBC Sport asks the boxing world for their predictions.
Tony Bellew - former WBC cruiserweight champion
"I'm going for Usyk by stoppage in round six."
Prediction - Usyk
Malik Scott - former boxer & trainer of Deontay Wilder
"Usyk will win by stoppage between rounds four and eight."
Prediction - Usyk
Darren Barker - British ex-middleweight world champion
"I reckon Usyk stops Verhoeven in rounds six or seven."
Prediction - Usyk
Anthony Crolla - ex-WBA lightweight title holder
"It's a crazy, crazy fight. Probably more crazy than Francis Ngannou against Tyson Fury or Anthony Joshua. I think Usyk will just have a bit of fun, being the showman that it is. He could do it early but he wraps it up by the halfway mark."
Prediction - Usyk
Terence Crawford - three-weight former undisputed champion
"I know Usyk and I know what level he's on and I think he's up for it. [and] put on an amazing show."
Predicton - Usyk
Eddie Hearn - promoter
"Verhoeven is going to be a handful but unfortunately for him he's fighting one of the best to ever do it. So I can't see anything else other than an Usyk victory."
Prediction - Usyk
Figure caption,
Oleksandr Usyk on fighting Rico Verhoeven, Anthony Joshua and world title defence
Richie Woodhall - ex-WBC super-middleweight champion
"I think Usyk will win the fight. It will be late or on points but if I had choose then I'll probably go with a late stoppage. Verhoeven will be in the fight early on and he will be dangerous as he can hit very hard. But Usyk will do what he does - he will work it out and eventually take him apart and stop him late."
Q&A
What is the date and location of the Usyk vs Verhoeven fight?
The Usyk vs Verhoeven fight is scheduled for Saturday in Egypt.
How many boxing matches has Rico Verhoeven had before this title fight?
Rico Verhoeven has had only one previous boxing match before this title fight.
What title is Oleksandr Usyk defending in the fight against Verhoeven?
Oleksandr Usyk is defending his WBC world title in the fight against Rico Verhoeven.
Why is the Usyk vs Verhoeven fight considered unusual?
The fight is considered unusual due to its location at the pyramids of Giza and Verhoeven's limited boxing experience.
