Trainer Petrychenko Predicts Usyk Will Win by Knockout in Round 8 or 9

Coach Viktor Petrychenko Shares His Thoughts on the Usyk vs. Verhoeven Fight

According to Главком: Viktor Petrychenko, a Honored Coach of Ukraine, has given his assessment of the upcoming match between Oleksandr Usyk and Dutch kickboxer Rico Verhoeven, scheduled for May 23, 2026, in Egypt against the backdrop of the Giza pyramids. The bout will feature the WBC and The Ring belts, along with a special King of the Nile title. Petrychenko acknowledged the potential risks Usyk faces due to Verhoeven's size and punching power but ultimately predicts a knockout victory for Usyk in the eighth or ninth round.

Key Aspects of the Fight

Petrychenko described Verhoeven as a natural heavyweight-'big, tall, with a long reach.' He also highlighted the opponent's striking power, noting that 'anthropometry, strength, and punching ability are Verhoeven's strengths.' However, he emphasized that tactics and endurance are not the kickboxer's strong suits. 'And of course, it's crucial how Sasha approaches the fight,' Petrychenko added, hinting at the danger of underestimating the opponent.

The coach also addressed the challenges of fighting in a desert environment. 'The fight will essentially take place in the middle of the desert, where it's stifling even at night. So it's important whether there will be a roof over the ring and air conditioning,' he explained. Petrychenko noted that this will be a physically demanding test for both athletes, but Usyk might have an edge since he grew up in Crimea, where the climate is more similar to Africa's, unlike the Netherlands.

For context, Oleksandr Usyk is the current unified heavyweight champion holding the WBC, WBA, and IBF belts. He has 24 professional boxing matches under his belt, remaining undefeated with 15 wins by knockout. Rico Verhoeven has only one boxing match to his name, a 2014 victory over Janos Finfer via second-round knockout. The WBC has sanctioned this as a voluntary title defense for Usyk, with the winner also claiming The Ring belt and the special King of the Nile title.

Petrychenko offers his prediction: 'There won't be 12 rounds. The start will be calm, but then Usyk will gradually break down his opponent piece by piece. It will all end in the 8th or 9th round by technical knockout or just a knockout.'

Viktor Petrychenko

This fight is a major event in the boxing world, as Oleksandr Usyk continues to solidify his status as one of the top fighters in his weight class. Meanwhile, Rico Verhoeven, regarded as one of the best kickboxers, has a chance to test his skills in a new discipline. A win for Usyk would strengthen his international standing, while a victory for Verhoeven could open up new opportunities in his professional boxing career.

As Usyk prepares for this pivotal match, he has also set ambitious goals for his career's final chapter. This upcoming fight could be a crucial step toward achieving those aspirations, especially given the challenges he faces against Verhoeven. To understand more about Usyk's historic ambitions before retirement, explore the details in our related article regarding his future plans.