GLOVES OFF: Oleksandr Usyk vs Rico Verhoeven | Episode 1 | The Countdown Begins

GLOVES OFF: Oleksandr Usyk vs Rico Verhoeven | Episode 1 | The Countdown Begins Oleksandr Usyk is currently in the middle of an intense training camp for his upcoming heavyweight title defense against kickboxing legend Rico Verhoeven, scheduled for May 23, 2026, at the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt. Usyk and his team have recently moved their training base to Ukraine. Anthony Joshua has been spotted in Usyk's camp, sharing tips and adding high-level pressure to the sessions. Usyk has reportedly increased his workload, extending his daily running distance from 10km to 11km and focusing heavily on movement and control. Usyk describes his preparation as a "battle against himself," maintaining the same level of seriousness regardless of his opponent's background in kickboxing. Rico Verhoeven has recruited Peter Fury (uncle and former trainer of Tyson Fury) to lead his boxing preparation. Verhoeven entered his 12-week camp weighing approximately 126.4kg, intending to use his massive size and strength advantage against the smaller Usyk. This is only Verhoeven's second professional boxing match, so his camp is heavily focused on transitioning his elite kickboxing skills into the WBC boxing framework. #oleksandrusyk #usyk #ricoverhoeven #usykvsrico #boxingnews #boxing