Boxing
Former heavyweight champion makes big Usyk prediction
Usyk vs. Verhoeven: Exclusively on DAZN - May 23
It would be a huge shock if Oleksandr Usyk doesn’t beat Rico Verhoeven, according to Andy Ruiz Jr.
Usyk takes on kickboxing legend Verhoeven at the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt on Saturday May 23 in a show live and exclusively on DAZN PPV.
In his first fight since knocking out Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium last summer, three-time undisputed champion Uysk is an overwhelming favourite to maintain his perfect record and Ruiz Jr. understands why.
The former heavyweight champion believes the unbeaten Ukrainian will have too much experience and movement for Verhoeven.
Usyk & Verhoeven: Exclusive Sit-Down Interview
Watch: Oleksandr Usyk and Rico Verhoeven join the Mr. Verzace Podcast
“Usyk should win,” Ruiz Jr. told casino.org. “He's an experienced fighter. He's the champion. He's the undisputed heavyweight champion.
“But I heard a lot of people saying for him to be careful against Verhoeven. He's no joke. I've seen a few little videos of him hitting the bag and some fights, but I think Usyk beats him, especially if he's not using his legs”.
Ruiz Jr. is looking forward to the historic contest, but he expressed disappointment at not getting the nod to fight Usyk himself.
The California native claims Team Usyk reached out to him about a potential fight and he thought he would be next in line to face the reigning heavyweight champion.
Ruiz Jr. added: “His decision to fight him (Verhoeven) did shock me, though, and it was disappointing because I thought I was actually going to get the chance, because Usyk has the belts that I had.
“It kind of sucks because I thought I was gonna have the opportunity.
“So, before that fight was organised, they messaged me and asked me if I would like to fight Usyk in the United States - I know his manager from when I was younger at Freddie Roach's gym because I used to spar with all of the heavyweights when I was a little kid.
“So, they told me that it might be in the works when he (Usyk) comes back, but it didn't happen. I don't know what happened. They probably offered him (Usyk) more money to fight over there in Egypt and to fight a kickboxer.
“But I salute him (Usyk). He's the boss right now, so he could go any route he wants. He could fight whoever he wants. But once he said that he was gonna fight a Mexican, I was like, 'wow, this is real. It's gonna go down. It's gonna be a slugfest for sure'.
“But everybody is getting these tune-up fights whilst they look for something better, so that's exactly what we're going to be doing this year as well. And in December, I want a big fight. I want to fight an elite fighter, a big fight where I can show that I'm still in the game.”
Watch Wardley vs. Dubois only on DAZN
The WBO world heavyweight title is on the line for Fabio Wardley and Daniel Dubois on May 9, only on DAZN PPV. Buy as a one-off PPV or included, along with Usyk vs Verhoeven (May 23), with a DAZN Ultimate Tier subscription.
For more information, pricing and to buy, click here.
