Usyk vs Verhoeven: Oleksandr Usyk on his ‘secret plan’, 16-year undefeated streak and the future

The 37-year-old Dutchman Verhoeven boasts impressive kickboxing chops, reigning as Glory’s heavyweight champion for 11 years and making 13 successful defenses, but has boxed professionally once – in 2014.

But Usyk’s CV in boxing is just as attention-grabbing — if not more so.

In the year After winning gold at the 2012 Olympics, the Ukrainian has established himself as one of the pound-for-pound greats, having contested a spot at cruiserweight and twice at heavyweight.

Usyk, 39, has beaten Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury and Daniel Dubois each on two occasions – and despite not having the boxing experience of Verhoeven, he is approaching this bout with the same mindset.

“The opponent may be different, but my preparation is not,” Usyk said.

“I work hard, I do a lot of work in sparring, conditioning and cardio.

“I train him like I’m fighting Tyson Fury or Daniel Dubois, because it’s a tough fight for me. It’s not fake, it’s not a show for me, it’s a fight.”