Oleksandr Usyk and Rico Verhoeven are entering fight week with confidence as their highly anticipated showdown in Giza approaches this Saturday.
The event, which takes place near the Egyptian pyramids, has already drawn major attention from combat sports fans around the world.
DAZN recently released behind-the-scenes footage from both training camps, offering a closer look at how each heavyweight star is preparing for the matchup.
Usyk Focused On Discipline And Hard Training
Usyk appears to be maintaining the same intense work ethic that carried him to the top of boxing. Members of his camp praised the consistency and energy he continues to show despite being 39 years old. He also pointed to his religiosity:
“I like training, I like hard training because I think God, Jesus Christ, like this, clean my soul — I think.”
The former undisputed heavyweight champion also explained that every part of his camp is tightly controlled.
Training schedules, meals, and even the timing of his food intake are carefully monitored leading into the fight.
Verhoeven Embracing The Biggest Test Of His Career
Verhoeven, widely regarded as one of kickboxing’s greatest champions, said his preparation is now shifting toward refinement as fight night gets closer. The Dutch kickboxer said:
“I like the challenge, I just do not like to be comfortable…”
“I like the challenges in life because I like to grow and I like to learn, and I like to get better, especially on the highest level.”
“This opportunity arose, so we rose to the occasion.”
Later in the interview, the Dutch heavyweight also opened up about the struggles he experienced growing up and how those experiences shaped his mentality as a fighter.
Verhoeven believes those lessons helped prepare him for moments like this, where he faces one of boxing’s most respected champions under one of the sport’s brightest spotlights.