“It’s history time,” said heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk at the final press conference before his fight in front of the Pyramids in Egypt on Saturday.
“We had the first face off in front of the pyramids and it was, ‘Wow, this is amazing,’” the Ukrainian added.
Usyk thanked Saudi boxing powerbroker Turki Alalshikh and said he was ‘happy’ and said of his opponent, Rico Verhoeven, the Dutch kickboxer, “I respect all my rivals but it’s a hard sport.”
Verhoeven, ready for just his second professional boxing match, soke of the history attached to boxing in such a unique location: “Me and Oleksadnr are a small part of that history with us headlining the main event on this card… I feel blessed, excited, I’ve put everything I have into this. I can’t wait for Saturday night.
“I respect every opponent, whatever feeling you have about an opponent I know what it takes to step into the ring and being among these boxing legends here, it’s a true blessing being here.”
Verhoeven has been working with veteran boxing trainer Peter Fury, who has been part of his camp for years.
“He’s a special individual, he’s an incredible athlete,” NFury said of his charge. “This has been a six-month training camp… and whatever the outcome is, it is. I think he [Verhoeven]’s going to surprise a few people as well. He’s definitely impressed me on the lead up to this, in fight week… He’s totally relaxed and super happy. We’re just looking forward to an incredible display and an incredible night.”
Sergey Lapin, in Usyk’s corner, said: “We’ve worked hard the last three months. We know this guy is very strong, strong and big… and I know he’s had a very strong camp. Peter Fury is a very smart man.”
