Usyk is the clear favorite for May 23, but Fury warns Rico Verhoeven’s size and right-hand power give him a puncher’s chance; bettors should favour Usyk to win outright while considering low-stake props on a late-round stoppage or an early upset at long odds.
Fury Says Verhoeven Has a Puncher’s Chance Against Usyk
Tyson Fury has weighed in on Rico Verhoeven’s shock challenge to Oleksandr Usyk for the WBC heavyweight title on May 23. The former kickboxing superstar will attempt only his second professional boxing fight against the two-time undisputed champion, a leap that many see as a bridge too far.
Why Fury Isn’t Writing Verhoeven Off
Fury, who sparred with Verhoeven earlier in his career, acknowledged the Dutchman’s physical attributes. “[Verhoeven’s] a big man, isn’t he? Big right hand,” Fury said, suggesting power could change the dynamic despite the experience gap.
Usyk’s Experience vs. Verhoeven’s Power
Fury pointed out that Usyk has already faced a string of powerful, right-handed opponents—fighters like Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois—so stylistically the challenge isn’t entirely new. “He’s fought a lot of big men with a similar style to Rico,” Fury said, while conceding: “he’s got a chance, he’s got power. Who knows what he can do in there?”
Experience and Ring Mileage
Verhoeven’s boxing ledger is light by elite heavyweight standards. He has had 24 professional fights and only turned pro in late 2013, meaning he lacks the in-ring mileage Usyk can call upon. Fury noted that limited professional exposure may ultimately favor the seasoned Ukrainian.
Training Camps and Team Dynamics
Verhoeven will be coached by Peter Fury, adding an intriguing wrinkle to the build-up. Peter Fury described preparations as intense and optimistic: “It’s going to be a great night. Two great people, two great champions in their own right... three months away in training camps, Spain, Holland now back to Holland for another three-month training camp.”
Big Fights Shaping the 2026 Heavyweight Landscape
March
Sat 21 – George Liddard vs Tyler Denny – British & Commonwealth Middleweight title
Sat 28 – Moses Itauma vs Jermaine Franklin
Sat 28 – Sebastian Fundora vs Keith Thurman
April
Sat 4 – Deontay Wilder vs Derek Chisora
Sun 5 – Caroline Dubois vs Terri Harper
Sat 11 – Tyson Fury vs Arslanbek Makhmudov
Sat 11 – Conor Benn vs Regis Prograis
Sat 18 – Callum Smith vs David Morrell
Sat 18 – Manny Pacquiao vs Ruslan Provodnikov
Sat 25 – Lawrence Okolie vs Tony Yoka
May
Sat 2 – Zurdo Ramirez vs David Benavidez – WBA & WBO Cruiserweight titles
Sat 9 – Fabio Wardley vs Daniel Dubois – WBO title
Sat 23 – Oleksandr Usyk vs Rico Verhoeven – WBC title
What This Means for Punters
Usyk will enter the bout as the strong favorite given his elite boxing resume and championship pedigree.
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However, Fury’s emphasis on Verhoeven’s size and power suggests value in selective prop bets: consider low-stake wagers on a stoppage or a round-specific outcome where the underdog’s power could produce an upset, while favouring Usyk for the straight winner markets.
The Sun
