Usyk vs Verhoeven: Oleksandr Usyk on his ‘secret plan’, 16-year unbeaten streak and future

Dutchman Verhoeven, 37, has an impressive kickboxing CV, having reigned as Glory’s heavyweight champion for 11 years and making 13 successful defenses, but has only boxed professionally once, in 2014.

However, Usyk’s resume in boxing is at least as remarkable.

After winning gold at the 2012 Olympics, the Ukrainian established himself as one of the best pound-for-pound, achieving undisputed status at cruiserweight and twice at heavyweight.

Usyk, 39, has beaten the Brit twice, brushing aside Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury and Daniel Dubois, and despite Verhoeven’s lack of boxing experience, he approaches this bout with the same mentality.

“The opponent may be different, but my preparations are not different,” Usyk said.

“I work hard, I work hard on training, conditioning and cardio.

“I train like I’m fighting Tyson Fury or Daniel Dubois because for me, this is a serious fight. It’s not fake. For me, it’s not a show, it’s a fight.”