Usyk v Verhoeven world title fight predictions

Undisputed heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk is set to defend his WBC world title against kickboxing champion Rico Verhoeven on Saturday in an unusual bout held at the pyramids of Giza, Egypt. The fight presents a unique challenge as Verhoeven, a renowned kickboxer, steps into the boxing ring for only his second professional fight, his first since 2014.

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I'm going for Usyk by stoppage in round six.

The 37-year-old Dutchman, Verhoeven, aims to achieve what could be one of the biggest upsets in combat sports history. He faces the formidable Ukrainian Usyk, 39, who boasts an impressive nearly 17-year winning streak. The question on many minds is whether an underdog victory for the ages is on the cards, or if Usyk's dominance will continue unabated.

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Usyk will win by stoppage between rounds four and eight.

Boxing experts and former champions have weighed in with their predictions. The consensus leans heavily towards Usyk. Former WBC cruiserweight champion Tony Bellew predicts a stoppage in round six. Deontay Wilder's former trainer, Malik Scott, anticipates a stoppage between rounds four and eight. British ex-middleweight world champion Darren Barker also foresees Usyk stopping Verhoeven in rounds six or seven.

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I reckon Usyk stops Verhoeven in rounds six or seven.

Other notable figures like former WBA lightweight title holder Anthony Crolla describe the fight as "crazy" but believe Usyk will "have a bit of fun" and secure a win by the halfway mark. Three-weight former undisputed champion Terence Crawford acknowledges Verhoeven will be a "handful" but ultimately sees nothing other than an Usyk victory. Former WBC super-middleweight champion Richie Woodhall expects Usyk to win, possibly by a late stoppage after working out Verhoeven's strengths. Retired UFC fighter Alistair Overeem predicts a TKO in rounds five or six, while pundit Stacey Copeland believes Usyk will "work him out and get the win." Former WBC light-middleweight champion Sergio Mora anticipates Usyk's fluidity will be too much for the "stiff and big" Verhoeven, predicting a knockout in round nine.

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It's a crazy, crazy fight. Probably more crazy than Francis Ngannou against Tyson Fury or Anthony Joshua. I think Usyk will just have a bit of fun, being the showman that it is. He could do it early but he wraps it up by the halfway mark.