How an Undisputed Fight at the Pyramids of Giza Was Influenced by Jason Statham
Oleksandr Usyk is set to defend his WBC world title against Rico Verhoeven on Saturday in Egypt. The bout is notable both for its unique location and the nature of the matchup, with kickboxing world champion Verhoeven earning a title shot in only his second professional boxing fight—and his first since 2014.
The 37-year-old Dutch fighter aims to achieve what could be one of the biggest upsets in boxing history. Meanwhile, Ukrainian Usyk, 39, seeks to extend his nearly 17-year undefeated streak. The question remains: will the underdog Verhoeven pull off a historic victory, or will Usyk's dominance persist?
has gathered predictions from prominent figures in the boxing community.
Tony Bellew - Former WBC Cruiserweight Champion
"I'm going for Usyk by stoppage in round six."
Malik Scott - Former Boxer & Trainer of Deontay Wilder
"Usyk will win by stoppage between rounds four and eight."
Darren Barker - British Ex-Middleweight World Champion
"I reckon Usyk stops Verhoeven in rounds six or seven."
Oleksandr Usyk v Rico Verhoeven
Fans can listen to radio and follow live text commentary from 22:00 BST on Saturday, 23 May via BBC Radio 5 Live, , and the website and app.
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 he is. He could do it early but he wraps it up by the halfway mark."
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."
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."
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 to 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."
Alistair Overeem - Retired UFC Fighter
"I think Usyk will win by TKO in rounds five or six."
Stacey Copeland - Pundit & Former Boxer
"Verhoeven could be a little unpredictable because he's coming from a different discipline, but I think Usyk will work him out and get the win."
How a Kickboxing Legend & Statham's Pal Landed a Shot at Usyk
Secrets, Acting & 16 Years Unbeaten - In Camp with Usyk
Usyk v Verhoeven - Hearn's Take
Adam Smith - Boxing Commentator
"I think everyone is right in saying Usyk will win whenever he wants to win. It will probably be somewhere between rounds five and seven."
Sergio Mora - American Former WBC Light-Middleweight Champion
"I think Usyk will be too fluid for the stiff and big Verhoeven. I've got Usyk by knockout in nine."
Ade Oladipo - Boxing Presenter
"I genuinely believe, given Verhoeven's size and toughness, he could cause any other heavyweight in the division problems. I'm not saying he'd beat them but he could certainly cause them problems. Unfortunately for him, he is fighting one of the greatest heavyweights of all time. I think this goes as long as Usyk wants it to go. I'll go for a corner stoppage in round five."
Natasha Jonas - Former Two-Weight World Champion
"I can't see anything other than an easy win for Usyk - by potentially a mid-to-late stoppage."
Paul Smith - Retired British Boxer
"Usyk will win this whenever he feels like it. This should be very straightforward for him."
More from
- Usyk opponent Verhoeven 'not a normal man' - Hearn
- Usyk v Verhoeven - all you need to know
- Boxing schedule and results 2026
- Watch every Born to Brawl episode
More Boxing from the BBC
Notifications, social media and more with
