“I think so. Yes,” Verhoeven told The Stomping Ground when asked if size was the biggest factor in the fight.
“So one main uses good size because you see you two obviously big, but we’re still pre-fight like that and it’s going to be broadcast like that before the fight and everybody sees and hears everything so we’re definitely not giving away the game plan, but I think size matters and that’s why we have weight divisions.”
Verhoeven dismissed suggestions that the odds or public reaction had affected his mindset heading into the fight. Many fans and analysts viewed the contest as a mismatch due to Usyk’s boxing pedigree and undefeated record at heavyweight.
“Once I start putting weight on other people’s opinion, I’m going to have a very sad life,” Rico said. “So, I don’t listen to it. I don’t watch it. I just live my life, and everyone can think and say what they want.”
Verhoeven disagreed with the notion that a knockout was his only realistic path to victory against the unified heavyweight champion.
“But the first goal is to win. How are we going to win? Let’s see. May the best man win. But my goal is I’m going to win. And how we’re going to do it, let’s see what happens,” Verhoeven said.
Oleksandr Usyk vs Rico Verhoeven official weigh-in results:
Oleksandr Usyk – 233.3 lbs
Rico Verhoeven – 258.7 pounds
Frank Sanchez – 240.4 lbs
Richard Torrez Jr – 229.5 lbs
Shakhram Giyasov – 145.7 lbs
Jack Catterall – 146.8 lbs
Hamzah Sheeraz – 167.9 lbs
Alem Begic – 166.9 pounds
Mizuki Hiruta – 114.7 lbs
Mai Soliman – 114 lbs
