Oleksandr Usyk is Finally Doing What He Wants

Speaking at their recent presser, Usyk confessed that he finally didn’t feel forced to take on a particular fight.

“One time, I want to do what I want. Not what I need because a lot of time I do what other people need,” he said. “Now, I do what I need.”

Usyk has often hinted at being “forced” into certain fights because, for most of his career, especially in the heavyweight division, he hasn’t been the A-side in terms of business power. Even with his position as an undisputed champion, he had to navigate mandatories, sanctioning body rules, and opponents like Tyson Fury, who brought massive commercial leverage and, in turn, could dictate timing, venues, and purse splits. Usyk has repeatedly had to accept what’s in front of him rather than freely choose opponents.

Coming into the Verhoeven fight, Usyk has already achieved almost everything he possibly can in boxing, so he’s no longer chasing belts. And this also gives him the direly needed freedom to pursue interesting, high-profile matchups on his own terms, including crossover bouts like this one.

In fact, he isn’t even looking at proving anything on fight night, rather hoping to enjoy the fight as it pans out.

“There’s no pressure for me. It’s just a fight,” he said.

“Different Type of Puzzle”

Meanwhile, Verhoeven has a word of caution for Usyk. During the same presser, he revealed that he might just be an opponent unlike any Usyk has faced yet.

“Oleksandr has solved the puzzle of boxing multiple times already. This is a puzzle he hasn’t solved yet. I’m going to bring kickboxing angles and bring a different type of puzzle. I’m a big unit. I’m like 125 kilos. So that is something that he’s got to feel,” he said. “I think to be the very best at what you’re doing, you have to be a little bit crazy.”