Muay Thai legend claims Rico Verhoeven is well deserving of the Oleksandr Usyk showdown

Liam Harrison is not confident in Rico Verhoeven’s chances

Unified heavyweight world champion Oleksandr Usyk (24-0, 15 KO’s) recently revealed he will take on kickboxer Rico Verhoeven (1-0, 1 KO) when he makes his ring return.

The Ukrainian will take on the relative boxing newcomer on May 23, defending his WBC title in Gaza, Egypt.

The bout comes after the WBC have agreed to let Usyk take on a voluntary defence before asking him to tackle a mandatory challenger.

Verhoeven may be dominant in his own sport, but translating his skills into the boxing ring will always be a tough ask, even more so when challenged with taking on an all-time great in the heavyweight division.

The Dutchman left kickboxing last June, vacating his heavyweight strap, and holds the longest winning streak in the history of the Glory promotion. 

Despite his accolades, he is understandably a huge underdog. 

Fellow kickboxing and Muay Thai legend Liam Harrison has revealed his excitement since the showdown's announcement, though admits Verhoeven has a monumental task ahead of him.

"I think Rico's going to have to boot him in the leg if he wants to get any sort of advantage over him,” Harrison told Sky Sports.

"No one can beat Usyk in a boxing fight, I don't care who you are. He's the best heavyweight on this planet and he's the best heavyweight of this era. If guys like Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua can't put a dent in him, no one's going to be able to put a dent in him I'm afraid.

"Rico's going to have to throw a few leg kicks if he wants to get one over on him in there!"

"Again Rico's a legend in kickboxing. Guys like that who paved the way in kickboxing have been the GOATs [greatest of all time] in their generation, they deserve to get these sort of paydays and these sort of chances to showcase what they can do and get some big money.”

"It'll be nice to see.”