Few outsiders are tipping Rico Verhoeven to dethrone Oleksandr Usyk on May 23 in Egypt, but Eddie Hall insists the former Glory champion has the power and mentality to pull off one of boxing’s biggest upsets.
Hall crowns Verhoeven ‘scariest man on the planet’
Retired strongman-turned-fighter Eddie Hall has spent time training alongside Verhoeven and witnessed his ferocity first-hand. “Hand on heart, Rico is the scariest man on the planet,” Hall told The Ariel Helwani Show. With a 12-year reign as Glory heavyweight king behind him, the Dutchman brings a unique blend of size, athleticism and knockout power into his WBC title shot at the Pyramids.
Usyk prepared but wary of unorthodox assault
Usyk enters Glory in Giza as the established WBC heavyweight champion, boasting an unbeaten professional boxing record. Yet Hall believes Verhoeven’s unconventional style will test the Ukrainian former undisputed cruiserweight champion. “He’s not going to box Usyk; he’ll lean in, pressure him and force errors,” said Hall. With DAZN broadcasting worldwide, this crossover spectacle has already drawn attention from the UFC community and combat sports fans alike.
What this means for crossover and UFC aspirations
Verhoeven’s decision to bypass a potential UFC or Francis Ngannou MMA bout in favour of elite boxing has added intrigue. A victory over Usyk would cement his legacy as one of the greatest crossover athletes in combat sports history and renew calls for a future boxing-MMA hybrid match. Hall, meanwhile, will test himself against Tommy Fury in a highly publicised June 13 boxing slugfest, keeping the crossover narrative alive ahead of any UFC move.
Whether Verhoeven’s boxing debut ends in glory or defeat, Hall’s endorsement has elevated expectations and intensified debate about athlete transitions between kickboxing, boxing and the UFC sphere.
FAQ
When and where is Glory in Giza taking place?
Glory in Giza is scheduled for May 23 at the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt, with the main event broadcast live on DAZN.
Who are Rico Verhoeven and Oleksandr Usyk?
Rico Verhoeven is a former Glory Kickboxing heavyweight champion, while Oleksandr Usyk is the undefeated WBC heavyweight boxing titleholder and former undisputed cruiserweight king.
Why is Eddie Hall’s opinion significant?
As a former World’s Strongest Man and combat sports competitor, Hall has trained with Verhoeven and experienced his power, giving weight to his belief in an upset.
What could a Verhoeven victory mean for crossover fights?
If Verhoeven defeats Usyk, it would underscore the potential for top kickboxers to succeed in boxing and fuel speculation about future UFC or MMA crossovers.
