I break betting odds news as it happens, so you’re never left behind when the market moves or a top offer lands.
- Oleksandr Usyk is the huge 1/18 favourite to beat Rico Verhoeven in Egypt
- The WBA has approved the bout under special heavyweight title conditions
- Rico Verhoeven cannot win the WBA belt because he is currently unranked
Oleksandr Usyk Massive Favourite For Rico Verhoeven Clash At Pyramids Of Giza
Fans looking at betting sites ahead of Oleksandr Usyk’s latest heavyweight outing will see the Ukrainian installed as an overwhelming favourite against Rico Verhoeven.
The unified heavyweight champion faces former Glory kickboxing world champion Verhoeven at the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt on 23 May in one of the most unique fight settings seen in modern boxing.
Attention around the fight intensified after the WBA officially confirmed that Usyk’s ‘Super’ heavyweight title can remain on the line, although only under strict conditions.
The sanctioning body confirmed that if Usyk wins, the bout will count as an official world title defence.
However, should Verhoeven pull off a major upset, the WBA says it would review Usyk’s championship status afterwards rather than awarding the title directly to the Dutchman.
Usyk vs Verhoeven Odds
| Fighter | Odds | Implied Probability |
|---|---|---|
| Oleksandr Usyk | 1/18 | 94.7% |
| Rico Verhoeven | 8/1 | 11.1% |
These odds from bet365 underline just how heavily the market favours Usyk despite Verhoeven’s elite combat sports pedigree.
The Ukrainian remains undefeated in professional boxing and is widely regarded as one of the most technically gifted heavyweights of his generation.
Verhoeven, meanwhile, enters the bout as a decorated kickboxing champion but without the boxing résumé needed to convince bookmakers he can seriously threaten Usyk over championship distance.
WBA Clarifies Strict Title Conditions
The biggest talking point surrounding the fight has been whether Usyk’s heavyweight belts would officially be at stake.
While the WBC had already confirmed its title would be on the line, uncertainty remained over the WBA and IBF positions until this latest announcement.
In a statement, the WBA confirmed:
“Should Usyk emerge victorious, the bout will officially count as a successful title defence.”
However, the organisation added:
“The title itself will not be at stake for Verhoeven, as he is currently not ranked by the sanctioning body.”
Pyramids Of Giza Set To Host Historic Heavyweight Event
The setting itself has also generated huge attention from fans and bookmakers alike.
Staging a major heavyweight fight at the Pyramids of Giza creates one of the most visually striking backdrops boxing has seen in years, adding extra global interest to the event.
Saudi-backed boxing spectacles have already transformed the sport’s presentation in recent years, and this latest venture into Egypt continues the trend of blockbuster events in iconic international locations.
For Usyk, the fight provides another opportunity to remain active while maintaining his position at the top of the heavyweight division.
Where To Bet On Usyk vs Verhoeven
Major boxing betting sites are expected to offer extensive markets on the heavyweight clash in Egypt.
In addition to standard fight winner betting, punters are likely to see markets for rounds, method of victory and potential knockdowns as the event approaches.
Many operators are also expected to promote free bets and enhanced odds ahead of fight week as anticipation builds around the crossover contest.
