Dutch Boxing Sensation Links Rico Verhoeven to Jake Paul: 'That Would Be Very Interesting'

Last May, Verhoeven faced a formidable challenge in Egypt, stepping into the ring against the then-undisputed world boxing champion, Oleksandr Usyk. Although the Dutchman couldn't secure a victory, he made a significant impression by putting Usyk under considerable pressure. The bout controversially ended in the eleventh round after the referee prematurely stopped the fight.

Verhoeven protested the decision and hoped for a rematch, but his request was denied. Usyk has since announced his retirement, naming other opponents for his final fight(s) than Verhoeven. A rematch now seems definitively off the table. According to the Ukrainian, fans aren't clamoring for it either. Kraus agrees, stating, "Usyk is far too smart for that. You'd see a completely different fight. What Rico did, he won't be able to replicate a second time," the Brabant native argues.

However, Kraus does have another intriguing opponent in mind. "I'd say Jake Paul," he immediately responds when asked who he would pair Verhoeven with if he were a matchmaker. "Neither of them are true boxers," he continues. "While they are both athletes, Jake Paul started late, and Rico is essentially a kickboxer, so that would be an entertaining match. Jake Paul is also a bit lighter, so he can move around a lot."

According to the Dutch boxing sensation, Verhoeven would have a better chance of winning against someone with Paul's physique than a natural heavyweight like Tyson Fury or Anthony Joshua. "Usyk was somewhat easier for him in terms of power, although he is, of course, the best in the world."

Kraus finds it difficult to predict the winner: "It could go either way. Rico will be physically much stronger, but Jake Paul will be a bit more agile, so it could be a very interesting fight."