Boxing Experts Predict Outcome of Usyk Title Defense

Oleksandr Usyk will defend his WBC heavyweight title against Rico Verhoeven on Saturday in Egypt. The 37-year-old Dutch kickboxing champion is entering only his second professional boxing match.

The matchup is unusual because Verhoeven has not boxed since 2014. Usyk, 39, enters with an unbeaten record spanning nearly 17 years.

Several boxing commentators and former fighters stated that Usyk is expected to win. Most forecasts placed the finish between rounds four and nine. One former champion said Usyk would win by stoppage in round six. A trainer of a former heavyweight champion predicted a stoppage between rounds four and eight.

A British former middleweight world champion forecast a stoppage in rounds six or seven. An ex-WBA lightweight title holder said Usyk would end the fight by the halfway mark. A three-weight former undisputed champion stated Usyk would put on a strong performance.

A promoter said Verhoeven would be competitive but predicted an Usyk victory. An ex-WBC super-middleweight champion forecast a late stoppage. A retired UFC fighter predicted a technical knockout in rounds five or six. A pundit and former boxer said Usyk would adjust and secure the win.

A boxing commentator stated the finish would likely come between rounds five and seven. A boxing presenter said the fight would end by corner stoppage in round five. A former two-weight world champion forecast a mid-to-late stoppage. A retired British boxer said Usyk would win whenever he chose.

" — Promoter (BBC News) The broadcast is scheduled to begin at 22:00 BST on BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC Sounds, and the BBC Sport website and app.