Experts predict Usyk dominance in Giza title defence
Boxing figures including Tony Bellew, Eddie Hearn, and Terence Crawford forecast a stoppage victory for the Ukrainian champion against the kickboxing challenger in Egypt.
Boxing experts have largely converged on a single outcome for the upcoming WBC world heavyweight title defence, predicting that Oleksandr Usyk will defeat kickboxing champion Rico Verhoeven by stoppage. The bout, scheduled for Saturday, 23 May at the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt, marks a significant deviation from conventional championship structures, pitting Usyk’s undefeated 24-0 professional boxing record against Verhoeven, who has only one previous professional boxing contest on his resume.
Prominent figures in the sport, including Tony Bellew, Eddie Hearn, and Terence Crawford, have offered their assessments ahead of the event. Bellew predicts a stoppage in round six, while Crawford anticipates the fight will end between rounds six and seven. Hearn, describing the contest as potentially more unusual than previous crossover bouts involving Francis Ngannou or Anthony Joshua, forecasts a stoppage victory for Usyk between rounds four and eight.
The predictions reflect a consensus that Usyk’s technical superiority will eventually overcome Verhoeven’s physical attributes. Verhoeven, 37, is aiming for what could be the biggest upset in the sport’s history in just his second boxing fight, having not boxed professionally since 2014. Usyk, 39, is seeking to extend his near 17-year winning streak as the unified heavyweight champion.
Several unnamed experts highlighted the contrast in styles, noting Verhoeven’s potential early danger due to his power and size, but citing Usyk’s fluidity and experience as decisive factors. Predictions for the timing of the stoppage generally clustered between rounds five and nine, with some suggesting a corner stoppage in round five or a knockout in round nine. One expert described the outcome as an “easy win” for Usyk, while another noted the Ukrainian would win “whenever he wants.”
BBC Sport will provide live text commentary for the event starting at 22:00 BST on Saturday, 23 May. Coverage will be available via BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC Sounds, and the BBC Sport website and app. The event underscores the unique nature of this title defence, with experts acknowledging Verhoeven’s toughness but remaining confident in Usyk’s ability to control the fight.
