Boxing fans have taken notice of Oleksandr Usyk's noticeably fuller physique as he prepares to defend his heavyweight titles against kickboxing star Rico Verhoeven this weekend. The Ukrainian icon, who has not fought since knocking out Daniel Dubois last July, appears to have added significant mass for the unusual matchup, scheduled for May 23 at the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt.
Usyk's Heavier Look Sparks Debate
Images of the 39-year-old two-division undisputed champion showing off a bulkier frame have circulated online, prompting a flurry of reactions from fans. One observer commented, "Usyk looking heavier... planning to end things early maybe," while another remarked, "Usyk looking chubby, interesting." A third fan cheered, "Looking massive let's gooo." Usyk weighed in at a career-high 227.3 pounds for his last bout against Dubois, and the latest photos suggest he could surpass that weight on fight night.
Serious Preparations for a Unique Challenge
Despite Verhoeven's limited professional boxing experience—his only previous bout was a second-round knockout of Janos Finfera in 2014—Usyk insists he is treating the fight with utmost seriousness. "The opponent might be different but my preparations are not different," he told the BBC. "I work hard, I do a lot of work in sparring, conditioning and cardio. I train like I'm fighting Tyson Fury or Daniel Dubois, because for me it's a serious fight. It's not fake. For me it's not a show, it's a fight."
Team Usyk has echoed this sentiment. Sergey Lapin told Sky Sports, "Rico Verhoeven is a strong, physical, and experienced fighter. He's not an easy opponent at all. He's a powerful puncher and he's comfortable going forward and engaging. But we clearly understand his style and his strengths. This is not just about power, it's about levels, timing and intelligence in the ring. We expect him to come in aggressive and try to impose his physicality. But Oleksandr has faced much more complex challenges in his career, and we are fully prepared for what Rico brings on May 23."
How to Watch Usyk vs. Verhoeven
The fight will be broadcast live on DAZN pay-per-view for £27.99, which includes one month of standard DAZN free. Alternatively, it is available at no extra cost with DAZN Ultimate for £22.99 per month under a new introductory offer. Fans can expect a unique clash between a boxing great and a kickboxing legend, with Usyk's bulked-up physique hinting at an early finish.
