Usyk opponent Verhoeven 'not a normal man' - Hearn

ByKal Sajad

BBC Sport boxing journalist

Promoter Eddie Hearn described Rico Verhoeven as "not a normal man" before the boxing novice's world title shot against heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk in Egypt on Saturday.

Ukrainian Usyk - widely considered the greatest heavyweight of his era - will put his WBC title on the line against kickboxing legend Verhoeven.

The bout, which will take place at the foot of the pyramids of Giza, is widely viewed as a major mismatch - with critics questioning why a world title is at stake.

"The fight on paper is an impossible mountain to climb for Rico Verhoeven," Matchroom promoter Hearn said.

"No, I'll rephrase that. For the normal man. But the reason he has accomplished what he's accomplished, and the reason he's done what he's done, is because he's not a normal man."

Verhoeven is a huge underdog and victory over Usyk would rank among the biggest shocks in boxing history, arguably surpassing Buster Douglas' stunning win over Mike Tyson in Tokyo in 1990.

The Dutchman won 66 of his 76 kickboxing fights and has not lost in more than 4,000 days. But the 37-year-old has had only one professional boxing bout - a stoppage win over a journeyman 12 years ago.

Usyk, meanwhile, is one of boxing's most decorated fighters; an Olympic gold medallist, undisputed cruiserweight champion and two-time undisputed heavyweight champion who remains unbeaten in 24 professional bouts.

The 39-year-old wore a striking Egyptian-inspired white and gold outfit, complete with a cape and draped sleeves, though his answers did not match the extravagance of his attire. At one stage, he even appeared to be on a video call during the media-only event.

When it was put to him that Verhoeven believes his lack of experience could bring an element of surprise Usyk has never faced before, the champion replied: "I have no idea how many rounds this will go. I'm not sad with 12 rounds. It's normal. But I don't know. When I have the chance, I'll do it."

The contest will count as a defence of Usyk's WBA 'Super' title and he would also lose his IBF belt if defeated, although Verhoeven is not eligible to win either championship.

Hearn's promotional energy rescued an otherwise uneventful news conference that lacked tension between the fighters.

"This giant of a guy, whose arms are like the normal man's thighs, has an opportunity to - let's be honest - produce one of the greatest upsets in the history of boxing," Hearn said.

"It might not be to him, but on paper it absolutely will be."

Verhoeven paid respect to his opponent and explained his decision to transition into boxing.

"[It was] to be open-minded and to test myself and the curiosity of: can I still do that at this age? How can I immerse myself in the sport of boxing? How can I transition into that? And is that even possible at this age?"

The challenger largely kept his cards close to his chest, though he suggested the ultimate achievement would be to outpoint one of boxing's modern greats over 12 rounds.

"If it's a knockout, it's a knockout. If it's a decision, it's a decision," Verhoeven said.

"If it comes to a decision and I get the win, wow. Then I faced the pound-for-pound fighter in the world for years and years and I beat him over 12 rounds. He tried everything and he couldn't beat me. That would be the ultimate."

The obligatory face-off at the end lasted less than a minute and a half, and only ended when Hearn stepped between the fighters, before the heavyweights exchanged a respectful handshake.