Oleksandr Usyk will return to the ring later this evening against kickboxing legend Rico Verhoeven in Egypt. The Ukrainian, nearing the end of his boxing career, is targeting a few more fights before retiring. Usyk, who turns 40 in January, has not fought since defeating Daniel Dubois for a second time last July at Wembley Stadium. After nearly a year out, he faces a surprise opponent in Verhoeven, who has only one professional boxing bout to his name. Here is everything you need to know about the rules for this heavyweight showdown.
Rounds
The contest will be contested over 12 three-minute rounds, standard for heavyweight boxing. Usyk has gone the distance nine times in his career, giving him an edge in later rounds. Verhoeven, accustomed to five three-minute rounds in kickboxing, may struggle with the additional 21 minutes.
Gloves
Both men will wear 10 oz gloves, the standard for heavyweight fights. Both are familiar with this weight, so no issues are expected.
Belts
Of Usyk's three titles (WBC, WBA, IBF), only the WBC gold strap can be won by Verhoeven. The WBC granted Usyk a voluntary title defence, but he must face a mandatory challenger next or be stripped. The WBA allowed the defence but stated Verhoeven cannot win its title. The IBF issued a statement: if Usyk loses, the IBF title becomes vacant; if he wins, the IBF will order a mandatory defence within 180 days after the WBC or WBA mandatory. Agit Kabayel is the WBC mandatory, while Murat Gassiev is top-ranked with the WBA.
Oleksandr Usyk's Record
Usyk made his professional debut in 2013. He won the WBO cruiserweight title in his 10th fight, later becoming undisputed cruiserweight champion. Moving to heavyweight, he defeated Anthony Joshua twice, Daniel Dubois, and Tyson Fury twice. His record stands at 24-0 with 15 knockouts.
Rico Verhoeven's Record
Verhoeven's only professional boxing bout was a second-round knockout in 2014. He is a kickboxing legend, holding GLORY's heavyweight title for over a decade with 13 defences. He retired last year with a kickboxing record of 66-10 (21 TKOs).
