talkSPORT betting tips – Best boxing bets and expert advice for Oleksandr Usyk vs Rico Verhoeven
Heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk faces a unique test against Rico Verhoeven when the two clash at the foot of the pyramids of Giza on Saturday.
Ukrainian Usyk will put his WBC title on the line against kickboxing legend Verhoeven, who held the Glory heavyweight world title for 12 years in a reign spanning more than 4,000 days.
But transferring those skills to boxing is no easy feat and the Dutchman has been handed arguably the toughest test, as he prepares to face an opponent regarded as the greatest heavyweight of his era.
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Oleksandr Usyk v Rico Verhoeven Tips
Usyk to bide his time
Verhoeven may be a legend when it comes to kickboxing, but this boxing contest against Usyk is an almighty mismatch and critics are questioning how this bout has come about and why a world title is on the line.
The 37-year-old has ventured into boxing once before, but that was back in 2014 against journeyman Janos Finfera, and a clash against one of the greatest heavyweights will be a mountain too big even for the 6ft 5in Dutchman to climb.
Promoter Eddie Hearn has described Verhoeven as “not a normal man” and he will present a unique test to Usyk, who extended his perfect record to 24-0 with July’s knockout of Daniel Dubois.
That was the second time the Ukrainian has defeated the Briton and the Cat has also accounted for the likes of Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua (both twice), so he has fought and defeated far better boxers than Verhoeven.
Usyk is a master of working out his opponents, evidenced by his decision victories over Fury and AJ and his knockout success against Dubois, and he may take a little bit of time to find out just what Verhoeven is about.
This could eke the fight out longer than may be expected and backing Usyk to win in rounds 7-12 offers solid value.
Ukrainian to seal the deal in style
While Usyk is not known for his raw power as some of the other heavyweights in the division, he can still land some heavy shots.
The 39-year-old has 15 KO’s from his 24 fights, the most recent of those coming against Dubois in July, and he can add another knockout to his CV.
Usyk will wear down Verhoeven with body and head shots, slowly draining the Dutchman’s energy levels, before then taking advantage of his weakened opponent with some power punches.
Far better boxers have failed to avoid a KO defeat to Usyk, and Verhoeven is likely to be the Ukrainian’s next victim.
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