Oleksandr Usyk is set to defend his WBC heavyweight title against Rico Verhoeven on May 23 at the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt.
The bout represents one of the most intriguing crossover matchups in recent memory, as Verhoeven transitions from a dominant kickboxing career into professional boxing.
After a 12-year reign at the top of Glory Kickboxing’s heavyweight division, the Dutch star now faces one of boxing’s most accomplished champions in just his second professional bout in the sport. His first was way back in 2014, when he faced Jason Finfera and secured a second-round knockout victory.
Given Usyk’s elite pedigree and experience, many observers have already written Verhoeven off heading into the contest.
However, Eddie Hall sees things differently.
Speaking on The Ariel Helwani Show, Hall backed Verhoeven to surprise the boxing world, despite the challenge ahead.
“I think Rico’s going to surprise a lot of people,” Hall said. “Win or lose, he is going to shock the world. Everyone has written him off.”
Hall’s confidence stems from his personal experience training with Verhoeven, giving him a closer perspective on the fighter’s abilities.
Hall expects Verhoeven to take aggressive approach against Oleksandr Usyk
The former World Strongest Man did not hold back when describing Verhoeven’s presence and physicality.
“I’ve had the privilege to spend quite a bit of time with Rico,” he said. “I’ve trained with him, been to watch his fights at ringside. He has got to be, hand on heart, the most frightening person on the planet.”
Having trained alongside him, Hall calls the Dutch the scariest man to face.
“I think Rico is the scariest man on the planet, hands down. If there’s one man you wouldn’t want to fight, it is Rico Verhoeven.”
Hall also suggested that Verhoeven’s style could present a unique challenge for Usyk.
“100 percent he has a chance,” Hall said. “I honestly think Rico is going to be a big, big problem for Usyk.”
Rather than engaging in a traditional boxing approach, Hall expects Verhoeven to bring relentless pressure.
“Rico’s not going to box him, he’s just going to attack him. Boxers aren’t used to that.”
According to Hall, that unpredictability could test Usyk in unfamiliar ways.
“Usyk’s in for a shock.”
As for Hall, he is set to take on Tommy Fury, headlining the Misfits Boxing card in Manchester on June 13.
While Usyk remains the clear favourite due to his experience and technical skill, Verhoeven’s size, power, and aggressive mindset add intrigue to the matchup.
With the fight set against the backdrop of the Pyramids of Giza, the event is expected to draw global attention.
