Oleksandr Usyk is heavier than ever ahead of his crossover fight with Rico Verhoeven.
Boxing’s pound-for-pound number one will face kickboxing’s greatest legend on Saturday night.
They’ll clash for the WBA and WBC heavyweight world title with the stunning backdrop of the Pyramids of Giza.
EXCLUSIVE: Alistair Overeem believes Rico Verhoeven grudge fight is possible after Oleksandr Usyk showdown
Oleksandr Usyk vs. Rico Verhoeven weigh-in results
On Friday morning, Oleksandr Usyk and Rico Verhoeven stepped on the scale ahead of their fight.
The 24-0 Ukrainian weighed 233.3lbs, which is the heaviest he’s been for a fight in his boxing career.
Usyk made his 2019 heavyweight debut at 215lbs and has gradually gotten bigger over the years.
The 39-year-old has gained 7lbs since knocking out Daniel Dubois when he last fought in July 2025.
Verhoeven will enjoy a 25lb size advantage when he steps in the ring for his second boxing bout.
The 6ft 5in Dutchman came in at 258.7lbs, which is 6lbs lighter than what he weighed for his last kickboxing victory over Artem Vakhitov at GLORY 100 11 months ago.
Oleksandr Usyk vs Rico Verhoeven official weigh-in results: Oleksandr Usyk – 233.3 lbs Rico Verhoeven – 258.7 lbsGlory in Giza | May 23rd | LIVE on DAZN pic.twitter.com/ExJlqfG1XK— Ring Magazine (@ringmagazine) May 22, 2026
Rico Verhoeven talks up the huge size difference
Rico Verhoeven understands why he’s a heavy underdog ahead of his clash with Oleksandr Usyk.
However, the 37-year-old believes his size and unpredictability make him a very dangerous opponent.
“Usyk has pulled the puzzle of boxing out and put it back together, but I’m not a traditional boxer – I’m a kickboxer,” Verhoeven told BBC Sport.
“My stance is different, my movement is different, and I am a naturally big, athletic guy.
“When I hit him, he’s going to feel a natural 20-kilo weight difference.”
2026-05-22 14:22:51
