The backdrop alone is enough to make headlines, but it’s the clash of worlds that has people talking.
On May 23, Oleksandr Usyk will defend his WBC heavyweight title against Rico Verhoeven at the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt — a setting as historic as the matchup itself. It’s not just another title defence. It’s a collision between elite-level boxing pedigree and one of kickboxing’s most dominant forces stepping into unfamiliar territory.
Verhoeven enters the bout with a legacy already cemented in another combat sport. After ruling Glory Kickboxing’s heavyweight division for over a decade, the Dutchman now finds himself preparing for just his second professional boxing fight. His only previous outing in the sport came back in 2014, when he stopped Jason Finfera in the second round.
That gap in experience, especially against someone as technically refined as Usyk, has led many to dismiss Verhoeven’s chances before a punch has even been thrown.
But not everyone is buying into that narrative.
Eddie Hall has spent enough time around Verhoeven to form a very different opinion — and he’s not holding back.
Speaking on The Ariel Helwani Show, Hall made it clear he believes the fight won’t follow the script many are expecting.
“I think Rico’s going to surprise a lot of people,” Hall said. “Win or lose, he is going to shock the world. Everyone has written him off.”
It’s not blind optimism either. Hall’s confidence comes from firsthand experience, having trained alongside Verhoeven and witnessed his physicality up close.
“I’ve had the privilege to spend quite a bit of time with Rico,” he said. “I’ve trained with him, been to watch his fights at ringside. He has got to be, hand on heart, the most frightening person on the planet.”
That’s not a throwaway comment. Hall doubled down on that assessment, painting a picture of a fighter whose presence alone is enough to unsettle opponents.
“I think Rico is the scariest man on the planet, hands down. If there’s one man you wouldn’t want to fight, it is Rico Verhoeven,” Hall said.
While Usyk’s credentials in boxing are undeniable, Hall believes Verhoeven brings something different — something that doesn’t neatly fit into traditional boxing expectations.
“100 percent he has a chance,” Hall said. “I honestly think Rico is going to be a big, big problem for Usyk.”
According to Hall, the key lies in how Verhoeven approaches the fight. Rather than trying to match Usyk’s technical brilliance, he expects the Dutchman to lean into aggression and unpredictability.
He said: “Rico’s not going to box him, he’s just going to attack him. Boxers aren’t used to that.”
That approach, while risky, could create moments of chaos — and in those moments, anything can happen.
“Usyk’s in for a shock,” Hall confirmed.
It’s a bold claim, especially considering Usyk’s track record against elite opposition. His movement, ring IQ, and composure under pressure have made him one of the most respected heavyweights in the sport. On paper, he remains the clear favourite.
But this isn’t a typical fight.
Verhoeven’s size, power, and willingness to disrupt the rhythm could introduce variables that even a fighter of Usyk’s calibre doesn’t often encounter. Add in the spectacle of the Pyramids setting and the global spotlight, and the stakes feel even higher.
Meanwhile, Hall isn’t just watching from the sidelines. He’s preparing for his own headline bout against Tommy Fury on June 13 in Manchester, adding another layer to his growing presence in crossover boxing.
Because if his prediction holds any weight, this isn’t just a title defence.
It’s a fight that could genuinely shake expectations.
And whether Verhoeven wins or loses, Hall is convinced of one thing — the world is about to take notice.
Featured image credit: Instagram/RingMagazine/DAZN / Rob Moore / YouTube (Screenshot)
