‘I’m used to the big lights’: Rico Verhoeven won’t fold under the pressure of Oleksandr Usyk fight

LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 14: Rico Verhoeven during the Glory In Giza launch press conference at The Pelligon on April 14, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Mark Robinson/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Rico Verhoeven spends some time talking to DAZN about his upcoming fight against Oleksandr Usyk on May 23. During the conversation Verhoeven breaks down his thoughts on the fight, how it came together, the opportunity it presents and more. Check out some excerpts of what he had to say below.

Verhoeven on whether he has no pressure going against Usyk

“Oh, the pressure is always there but I think the most important thing is enjoy the process instead of enjoying just the fight, or enjoying ‘when I achieve this, I’m going to feel like that.’ I just try to keep it level and try to be crazy excited and thankful.”

On those who believe he has no chance to beat Usyk

“I understand that people think that, and I think it’s up to me to give them some context because they’re boxing fans. Most of them probably don’t follow kickboxing or don’t know the sport of kickboxing, so they have no clue who Rico is. And I’ve been dominating the heavyweight kickboxing sport for over a decade. I’m used to the big lights, big stage, the interviews, the pressure. I’ve been having a target on my back for such a long time because I have what people wanted. For me, I feel like a fish in the water here.”

On going straight to the top of the heavyweight division in boxing

“For me, to be honest, it made sense. The other fights [against Francis Ngannou or Anthony Joshua] also made sense in a way because they were also considered big crossover events. Yeah, Oleksandr Usyk, who’s been dominating the sport for such a long time from the cruiserweight, now in the heavyweight…Undisputed versus undisputed. Two different worlds collide with each other. Wow. I think it’s a crazy movie script.”