Top Fighter Rico Verhoeven Set for Record Earnings Against Oleksandr Usyk: 'I Can't Complain'

In an unconventional move, Rico Verhoeven is set to attempt the biggest boxing upset of the century on May 23rd, fighting amidst the pyramids of Giza, Egypt. The former 'King of Kickboxing' will face undefeated world boxing champion Oleksandr Usyk from Ukraine. "Two undisputed world champions from different disciplines," the 37-year-old Dutchman stated. "It's fantastic that I'm getting this opportunity."

Verhoeven has secluded himself in what he calls a 'fighthouse'. No family around, no daily distractions. "Twelve weeks of complete focus on training, eating well, resting, and sleeping," he explained. Verhoeven was initially supposed to begin his boxing career against Anthony Joshua. "But that fell through after his serious traffic accident," he revealed.

"I was already training in December and thought it would be cool to fight Usyk. We pitched that to the promoter from Saudi Arabia. He immediately said: we love it. It can be that simple. Of course, I'm no pushover either."

According to many media reports, Usyk demands $100 million for a fight. Is it then unreasonable to think that Verhoeven will earn tens of millions of euros from his desert showdown? "I certainly can't complain, but we're not saying anything about that," he laughed. "As a kickboxer, I've never earned this much," Verhoeven added.

The Dutchman could follow in the footsteps of Muhammad Ali, George Foreman, Joe Frazier, and Mike Tyson as a new WBC boxing champion. "That's just incredible," he reacted. "Boxing is an art. You have twelve rounds to strategize. I'm so grateful for this opportunity in such a bizarre setting among the pyramids. I'll definitely continue boxing for a few more years after this."