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Verhoeven is a huge underdog and a victory over Usyk would be one of the shocks in boxing history, surpassing Buster Douglas’ stunning victory over Mike Tyson in Tokyo in 1990.
The Dutchman has won 66 of his 76 kickboxing bouts and is undefeated in over 4,000 days. But the 37-year-old has only had one bout in professional boxing – a stoppage win over Journeyman 12 years ago.
Usyk, meanwhile, is one of boxing’s most decorated fighters; The Olympic gold medalist, undisputed cruiserweight champion and two-time undisputed heavyweight champion is undefeated in 24 professional bouts.
The 39-year-old was dressed in an Egyptian-inspired white and gold outfit with a full cape and embroidered sleeves, although the response didn’t match the vulgarity of the outfit. At one point, he even appeared on a video call at the media-only event.
When Verhoeven believed that Usyk’s lack of experience could lead to a surprise that Usyk had never faced before, the champion replied: “I don’t know how many rounds this will go. I’m not sorry for 12 rounds. It’s normal. But I don’t know. If I get the chance, I’ll do it.”
The bout is considered a defense of Usyk’s WBA ‘Super’ title and if he loses, he will lose his IBF belt, although Verhoeven is ineligible to win either championship.
