Overeem Picks Usyk to Stop Verhoeven in Rounds 8-10 as 25-1 Odds Favor Champion
Updated
Updated · ringmagazine.com · May 22
Overeem Picks Usyk to Stop Verhoeven in Rounds 8-10 as 25-1 Odds Favor Champion
10 articles · Updated · ringmagazine.com · May 22
Alistair Overeem expects Oleksandr Usyk to stop Rico Verhoeven in rounds eight, nine or 10 when they box Saturday at the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt.
Overeem said Verhoeven’s size, cardio and durability made him dominant in kickboxing, but questioned how those strengths translate over 12 boxing rounds with kicks and knees removed.
The matchup has drawn criticism because Verhoeven — a longtime GLORY champion with just one prior boxing bout — jumped ahead of established heavyweight contenders such as WBC interim champion Agit Kabayel.
DraftKings lists Usyk as a 25-1 favorite, reflecting his edge as the unbeaten 24-0 undisputed heavyweight champion, though Overeem argued the bout still works as an entertainment event.
Is the Usyk vs. Verhoeven spectacle a sign that money now outweighs merit in championship boxing?
Can a kickboxing legend with one pro boxing match truly dethrone the undisputed heavyweight champion?