Usyk vs Verhoeven is upon us! “Glory in Giza” is set , the fighters are weighed in, and opinions are already flying around social media.
A loss for Usyk would send heavyweight boxing into complete chaos.
Rico Verhoeven comes in around 6lbs lighter than his last outing nearly 12 months ago at 258.7 pounds. But the big news is Oleksandr Usyk arriving at a career-heaviest 233.3 pounds, 12lbs heavier than when he won his first world title against Anthony Joshua back in 2021.
Is Usyk “Chubby” Ahead of Verhoeven Fight?
Some fans have commented on him looking “chubby”, but is this simply social media mockery of a fighter, suggesting he has taken a cue from his long-time foe “Greedy Belly”? The extra weight is more likely a purposeful decision from camp. Usyk’s sparring partner Sanel Hasanovic has spoken about the preparation being unusually intense and power-focused ahead of the Verhoeven fight. Usyk is widely regarded as one of the most professional and dedicated fighters in the sport today — the extra weight is almost certainly deliberate.
Usyk is outweighed by 25 pounds and gives away two inches in height. However, Tyson Fury came in a mammoth 48 pounds heavier and six inches taller 18 months ago, whilst also bringing elite-level heavyweight boxing ability. With that in mind, the size difference here does not seem quite as dramatic.
On the face of it, most fans seem fairly indifferent about the fight competitively, given Verhoeven comes in with a boxing record of 1-0 (1).
But despite this the world will surely still be watching Usyk vs Verhoeven on the edge of their seats.
Torrez vs Sanchez
The heavyweight bout between Frank Sanchez and Richard Torrez is particularly interesting. Sanchez is looking to regain his standing in the top 10 and put himself firmly in the frame for a world title shot, whilst Torrez hopes to cement his place amongst the heavyweight contenders and make the jump from prospect to someone the top names will have to take seriously.
The Weigh-Ins
WBC Heavyweight Title – 12 Rounds
Oleksandr Usyk – 233.3 lbs
Rico Verhoeven – 258.7 lbs
WBO Super Middleweight Title – 12 Rounds
Hamzah Sheeraz – 167.9 lbs
Alem Begic – 166.9 lbs
WBA ‘Regular’ Welterweight Title – 12 Rounds
Jack Catterall – 146.8 lbs
Shakhram Giyasov – 145.7 lbs
RING & WBO Junior Bantamweight Titles – 10 Rounds
Mizuki Hiruta – 114.7 lbs
Mai Soliman – 114 lbs
IBF Heavyweight World Title Eliminator – 12 Rounds
Frank Sanchez – 240.4 lbs
Richard Torrez Jr – 229.5 lbs
