The former WBC heavyweight title challenger says his showing against Usyk proved he belongs among boxing’s leading heavyweights
Rico Verhoeven believes his performance against Oleksandr Usyk showed he can compete with the biggest names in the heavyweight division. The kickboxing champion says he would back himself against both Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua after pushing Usyk further than many expected.
“100%, that’s why I’m here. 100%. Of course, I was so close to beating Usyk, and they all got beaten twice by that guy,” said Verhoeven to talkSPORT Boxing.
Verhoeven made the comments after his challenge of Usyk for the WBC heavyweight title in May. The longtime kickboxing champion exceeded expectations against the Ukrainian before the fight was stopped in the later rounds.
His confidence is not entirely based on the Usyk fight. Verhoeven previously sparred Fury during preparations for Fury’s 2015 upset victory over Wladimir Klitschko, and footage from those sessions has circulated again since Rico’s strong showing against Usyk.
Verhoeven was also asked about unbeaten British heavyweight Moses Itauma and suggested the young contender still has more to prove before he can be judged alongside the division’s top names.
“I haven’t seen him on the highest level, I’ve seen him on a decent level, fighting decent opponents, but I haven’t seen him at the highest level, so I am really curious to see what he does, if he’s gonna fight me, or fight another guy, let’s see how he performs when he fights a serious opponent,” said Verhoeven.
Itauma is currently ranked among the leading contenders in the heavyweight division and has been linked to several major fights after a string of knockout victories. Verhoeven’s comments suggest he remains unconvinced until the 21-year-old faces opposition closer to world-title level.
The WBC is expected to award Verhoeven a high ranking following his performance against Usyk, potentially opening the door to future fights against established contenders and former champions.
