Dmitry Bivol explained that Oleksandr Usyk's difficulty against Rico Verhoeven was due to Verhoeven's unpredictable, unconventional style despite limited boxing experience. Bivol compared it to sparring an awkward opponent whose movements are hard to read. He believes Usyk would perform better in a rematch now that he understands Verhoeven's approach, and that Usyk remains among the all-time greats alongside Tyson, Lewis, and Holyfield.
Light heavyweight contender Dmitry Bivol has come to the defense of unified heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk following Usyk's exhibition bout against kickboxing star Rico Verhoeven, arguing that the Ukrainian's struggles were a product of Verhoeven's unorthodox style rather than any decline in ability.
Bivol explained that Verhoeven's movements and timing, shaped by a career in kickboxing rather than boxing, made him genuinely difficult to read and manage in the ring. He drew a comparison to sparring an awkward partner whose patterns simply do not conform to what a professional boxer expects, suggesting the unfamiliarity itself was the primary obstacle. Bivol also stated his belief that Usyk would perform significantly better in a rematch now that he has a clearer understanding of how Verhoeven operates, and he placed Usyk in the company of all-time heavyweight greats such as Tyson, Lewis, and Holyfield.
Usyk, known as "The Cat," carries a flawless professional record of 24 wins and no losses at 39 years of age. The Ukrainian southpaw stands six-foot-three with a 78-inch reach and trains out of the Ready To Fight camp, representing one of the most decorated heavyweights of the modern era.
Verhoeven, nicknamed "The King of Kickboxing," holds a 66-10-0 record across his combat sports career and, at 37 years old, remains one of the most decorated competitors in kickboxing history. The Dutch fighter stands six-foot-five with a 79-inch reach, giving him a considerable physical presence and a style built on long, unconventional movement that translates awkwardly into a pure boxing context.
Why it matters
- Usyk's unbeaten record and legacy are under scrutiny following an exhibition that drew widespread attention
- Bivol's public defense shapes the narrative around Usyk's standing among the all-time heavyweights
- A potential rematch between Usyk and Verhoeven gains credibility if Bivol's framing gains traction
