Oleksandr Krasiyuk, the former promoter of unified world heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk, shared his candid perspective on the announced match between the Ukrainian and legendary kickboxer Rico Verhoeven.
Krasiyuk immediately stated his position clearly: "From a sports perspective—I'm not speaking for the whole world, I'm speaking for myself—I, for example, don't see it." According to him, despite Verhoeven's status as one of the greatest in kickboxing history, a real contest could only arise in another sport. "There would be intrigue if they fought under kickboxing rules. Or if they wrestled, I don't know... Or played chess—then there would be intrigue," he noted.
Alexander emphasized Usyk's dominance in classical boxing: "If Rico steps into Usyk's territory, where Joshua, Fury couldn't win, and here we're being assured that Rico, a kickboxer, can come and beat Usyk, then intrigue, let's say, is somewhat lacking. To put it mildly." Krasiyuk finds such a narrative unconvincing from a purely sports viewpoint.
At the same time, he added that the situation could be turned around through show elements: "But this intrigue can be overturned. For example, by the location—Giza. You can tweak something, give a little information, tell how formidable Rico was in the past. Peter Fury will add some spice." In Krasiyuk's opinion, it is these marketing moves that can kindle public interest.
"I don't think it will be the greatest, most outstanding match from a commercial standpoint, but it won't go unnoticed, in my opinion," Krasiyuk concluded.
The Usyk vs. Verhoeven bout, which will take place on May 23rd at the pyramids in Giza, Egypt, has already been confirmed as a voluntary defense of the WBC heavyweight title.
