Verhoeven steps into just his second professional boxing fight against a reigning unified champion. His only bout came in 2014 against Janos Finfera, a 0-5 opponent. The Dutchman’s reputation comes from kickboxing, where he holds a 60-10 record and long-term success at the top level.
Usyk enters as the clear favorite. He holds unified status and has already beaten elite heavyweights across multiple fights. Most of the boxing world expects his experience, footwork, and punch selection to decide it.
Miller, currently ranked No. 9 with the WBA, sees it differently. Speaking to Matchroom Boxing, he backed the underdog.
“Rico is very game. He is not no punk. So I’m gonna throw one up in the air and say Rico, man! I came up on the kickboxing scene with Rico Verhoeven, you know, Glory and K-1.
“He is a phenomenal fighter, in his respectable sport. If you want to go by the statistics, yes, the fight favours Usyk. Yes, Usyk is supposed to win and all that. Yes, we can say that, but I’m going with my boy Rico, man!”
The WBC belt and lineal claim are on the line, with Usyk entering as champion and Verhoeven challenging in his second outing.
On the same weekend, Miller returns to the ring against Lenier Pero, looking to push his own position toward a fight with Anthony Joshua later this year.
Jarrell Miller backs Rico Verhoeven to beat Oleksandr Usyk 👀 🤯 #MillerPero | @DAZNBoxing | #UsykRico pic.twitter.com/JalOpJmMsJ
— Matchroom Boxing (@MatchroomBoxing) April 22, 2026
