Oleksandr Usyk vs Rico Verhoeven Odds, Prediction, Fight Card & Date

• Oleksandr Usyk is a -2000 favorite against Rico Verhoeven on Saturday, May 23
• This WBC heavyweight title fight takes place at the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt
• See below for Usyk vs Verhoeven odds, prediction, fight card and date

Unified heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk (24-0) defends his WBC title against kickboxing legend Rico Verhoeven (1-0) on Saturday at the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt. It’s one of the strangest matchups in recent boxing memory, and the odds show just how big a step up this is for the Dutchman.

Below you’ll find the latest Usyk vs Verhoeven odds, my prediction, full fight card, and date details.

Jump to: Odds | Prediction | Tale of the Tape | Fight Card | Date & Start Time

Usyk vs Verhoeven Odds

Usyk is a massive -2000 moneyline favorite at BetMGM. A $2000 wager returns just $100. Verhoeven is the +750 underdog, which sounds long but is actually short for a kickboxer with one pro boxing win making his world title debut against a generational champion.

That -2000 line gives Usyk roughly 95% implied probability. The method of victory market tells the bigger story. Usyk by KO/TKO is -400 while Usyk by decision is +400. Oddsmakers expect a stoppage.

The fight going the full 12 rounds is priced at +333 yes, -500 no. Verhoeven hasn’t been knocked out since 2012 in kickboxing, but boxing is a different sport and 12 three-minute rounds is a lot of unfamiliar territory.

Odds at BetMGM. Get the BetMGM bonus code to use on the Usyk vs Verhoeven fight.

BETMGM SPORTSBOOK

Offer

T&Cs

Get Up To $1,500 Paid Back in Bonus Bets

Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET (Available in the US), 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), 1-800-327-5050 (MA), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). 21+ only. Please Gamble Responsibly. See BetMGM.com for Terms. First Bet Offer for new customers only (if applicable). Subject to eligibility requirements. Bonus bets are non-withdrawable. In partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel. Promotional offers not available in MS, NY, NV, ON, or PR.

LOCK IN PROMO

CODE: SBD1500

CODE: SBD1500

SIGNUP BONUS

GET UP TO
$1,500 BACK

IN BONUS BETS!

BET NOW

Usyk vs Verhoeven Prediction

• Oleksandr Usyk by KO/TKO (-400 at BetMGM)
• Usyk in rounds 5-8 (+200 at BetMGM)

BETMGM SPORTSBOOK

Offer

T&Cs

Get Up To $1,500 Paid Back in Bonus Bets

Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET (Available in the US), 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), 1-800-327-5050 (MA), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). 21+ only. Please Gamble Responsibly. See BetMGM.com for Terms. First Bet Offer for new customers only (if applicable). Subject to eligibility requirements. Bonus bets are non-withdrawable. In partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel. Promotional offers not available in MS, NY, NV, ON, or PR.

LOCK IN PROMO

CODE: SBD1500

CODE: SBD1500

SIGNUP BONUS

GET UP TO
$1,500 BACK

IN BONUS BETS!

BET NOW

Usyk should win this fight, and I expect a stoppage in the middle rounds. The straight KO/TKO at -400 is the safest play, while Usyk in rounds 5-8 at +200 gives you better value if you want to get specific on the window.

Usyk is one of the greatest heavyweights of his era. He’s undefeated through 24 pro fights with undisputed status at cruiserweight and twice at heavyweight. He’s gone 6-0 against Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua, and Daniel Dubois over the past five years. He doesn’t get rattled, doesn’t take opponents lightly, and doesn’t make the mistakes that get him hurt.

Verhoeven is a serious athlete. He held the GLORY heavyweight title for 12 years and earned the “King of Kickboxing” nickname for good reason. At 6’5″ and around 270 pounds, he brings legit size and power. He’s also durable, stopped just once since 2012.

The problem is that kickboxing and boxing aren’t the same sport. Verhoeven has one pro boxing win, and that came 12 years ago. His stance, rhythm, and punch selection are built around a discipline that allows kicks, knees, and clinch work. None of that applies on Saturday. It’s just 12 three-minute rounds of pure boxing against the best heavyweight on the planet.

Usyk typically needs a round or two to read unorthodox opponents. Their movement and tendencies aren’t what he sees from traditional boxers. Don’t be surprised if the first few rounds are cautious while he gets his read.

Once that read clicks, the precision takes over. Usyk will start picking Verhoeven apart with angles, jab work, and counter shots. Verhoeven hasn’t fought past five rounds in kickboxing in years, and the fatigue combined with Usyk’s steady pressure should break him down between rounds 5 and 8.

The biggest risk is Verhoeven landing a clean shot early while Usyk is still feeling him out. Heavyweight boxing always has that wildcard. But Usyk doesn’t make those mistakes, and Verhoeven’s boxing-specific power is unproven at this level.

Usyk vs Verhoeven Tale of the Tape

Verhoeven actually owns slight edges in height and reach. He’ll also be the bigger man in the ring by a significant margin since Usyk usually fights around 225 pounds. The gap shows up everywhere else.

Oleksandr Usyk vs Rico Verhoeven

The southpaw vs orthodox angle is worth noting. Verhoeven has faced southpaws in kickboxing, but never under boxing rules against a fighter of Usyk’s caliber. That left hand from the southpaw stance has been Usyk’s money punch his entire career.

Usyk vs Verhoeven Fight Card

The undercard is loaded. Hamzah Sheeraz fights for the vacant WBO super middleweight title, Jack Catterall goes for the WBA welterweight belt, and Frank Sanchez vs Richard Torrez Jr is an IBF heavyweight eliminator.

• Oleksandr Usyk vs Rico Verhoeven (WBC Heavyweight Title)
• Hamzah Sheeraz vs Alem Begic (Vacant WBO Super Middleweight Title)
• Jack Catterall vs Shakhram Giyasov (Vacant WBA Welterweight Title)
• Frank Sanchez vs Richard Torrez Jr (Heavyweight, IBF Eliminator)
• Mizuki Hiruta vs Mai Soliman (WBO Female Super Flyweight Title)
• Daniel Lapin vs Benjamin Mendes Tani (Light Heavyweight)

Usyk vs Verhoeven Date & Start Time

Usyk vs Verhoeven takes place Saturday, May 23 at the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt. The main card starts at 1 pm ET on DAZN PPV, with main event ring walks expected around 5:48 pm ET.

>>> WATCH ON DAZN >>>

The PPV costs $59.99 in the US through DAZN. UK viewers can purchase for £24.99. DAZN Ultimate Tier subscribers get the fight included in their monthly plan at no extra cost. Early prelims stream free on YouTube starting at 11 am ET.