This is a historical moment for me: Usyk on the fight with Verhoeven

WBC, WBA, and IBF heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk and Dutch kickboxer Rico Verhoeven held a press conference that concluded with a face-off. Usyk stated that the upcoming fight is a historic moment for him and also invited one of the hosts to train with him, UNN reports. 

Today is a big day for me – the press conference. But first, I want to congratulate all people of my faith, everyone who believes in Jesus Christ – today is the Ascension of the Lord. Congratulations. I am happy to be here. For me, this is a first, you know, it's a historic moment. I think today was the first face-off when we went up to the pyramids and got closer, I said: "Wow, this is incredible." For me, this is a first. Sometimes people from my team were here, but not me. This is wonderful. Thank you very much to Turki (Al-Sheikh, Chairman of the General Entertainment Authority of Saudi Arabia - ed.) for the organization – everything was at a high level. I am happy. I am happy every time, brother 

Al-Sheikh himself stated that he is "planning something for Usyk for the future." 

We are currently planning something for Usyk for the future. We are thinking about it. I know he doesn't want to talk about the future, but we are already planning. And I will tell you a little secret: we are planning to do something incredible in Istanbul – together with the people and authorities of Istanbul – near the Hagia Sophia next year 

Later, the host asked Usyk what he respects Verhoeven for, which seemingly did not please the Ukrainian boxer much. 

Listen, I respect all my opponents because I know what it's like. Because those who do boxing, kickboxing, wrestling, fighting – they are incredible guys and real madmen, yes. I respect all my opponents, but it's a very tough sport. Bro, have you trained in boxing? 

To this, the host replied that he had one sparring session and that was it, to which the boxer urged him to "try one training session, one round of real sparring."

The host added that he would try, but he needs to protect his nose, to which Usyk replied: "Don't worry, headgear, mouthguard, no problem. Come to my camp." 

"Okay, no problem, I will take you up on that offer. Thank you," the host told Usyk. 

Answering the question of whether the boxer believes Verhoeven can show something he hasn't faced before, Usyk replied: "Right now, these are just words. This is a press conference, and we talk a lot, but my language will be in the ring. You know, maybe yes, maybe no. We'll see. Everything is God's will." 

Verhoeven himself stated that for him, the main thing is victory. 

And how exactly we win – we'll see. If it's a knockout – then a knockout. If it's by judges' decision – then by judges' decision. And if it comes down to a judges' decision and I get the win, it will mean that I faced the best P4P fighter in the world for many years... and beat him over 12 rounds. He tried everything but couldn't overcome me. That would be the absolute maximum 

Usyk added that he has no idea how many rounds the fight will last, but he won't be upset if it goes 12 rounds. 

"But I don't know. When I get a chance, I will take it," Usyk said. 

The press conference concluded with a face-off between the athletes, which was ended by one of the hosts. 

As a reminder 

WBC, WBA, and IBF heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk and Dutch kickboxer Rico Verhoeven arrived at the press conference in Giza, where they already managed to hold an improvised face-off. 

On Sunday, May 17, Oleksandr Usyk along with his team arrived in Egypt, where the fight against Rico Verhoeven will take place on May 23.

On Tuesday, May 19, Oleksandr Usyk and Rico Verhoeven held a face-off against the backdrop of the pyramids in Egypt.

WBC, WBA, and IBF heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk will hold his next fight against Dutch kickboxer Rico Verhoeven in May. The fight will take place in Egypt.