Unified world champion Oleksandr Usyk said he should be allowed to “do what I want to do” as the heavyweight great defended his decision to face boxing novice Rico Verhoeven on 23 May in Egypt.
In a news conference which included a prediction Anthony Joshua would be the next undisputed heavyweight champion and a two-minute face-off, Usyk made it clear the Verhoeven fight was a decision he made for himself in the twilight of his career.
Verhoeven, 37, has boxed professionally only once – in 2014 – while 39-year-old Usyk is one of the most decorated fighters in the sport’s history.
“For me it’s a challenge. Rico is a great guy, a dangerous guy,” Usyk said as the pair met at a news conference in London.
“One time I want to do what I want, not what I need. A lot of time I do what other people need. You have to box this person, or this or this. I say okay. Now I do what I want.”
The contest is widely viewed as a major mismatch, with critics particularly questioning why the WBC world title is at stake.
Usyk is an Olympic gold medallist, undisputed cruiserweight champion and two-time undisputed heavyweight champion who remains unbeaten in 24 professional bouts.
Verhoeven won 66 of his 76 kickboxing fights before announcing his departure from the sport in November. In boxing, he recorded a stoppage victory in his only bout 12 years ago against an opponent who had never won a professional fight.