Andy Ruiz Jr. expect Oleksandr Usyk’s experience and accuracy to be too much for Rico Verhoeven when they battle at the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt on Saturday night.
Ruiz said the institution itself could give Usyk an extra boost heading into the heavyweight title defense. The former unified heavyweight champion believes that Usyk’s ring IQ, speed and composure will separate the two once the fight is settled in the middle rounds.
“I think it’s going to be a tough fight for Usyk’s opponent. I think Usyk has the experience. He has the speed, the accuracy and the belief, especially him fighting here in this historic place,” said Andy Ruiz Jr. told DAZN Boxing.
“It will motivate him even more to give a better performance. So, I think Usyk will take it. It will probably be in the sixth round.”
Ruiz’s prediction matches the general reaction of much of the boxing world heading into the event. Verhoeven enters the fight as one of kickboxing’s biggest names, but he has never faced a fighter with Usyk’s movement, pace and boxing experience at the championship level.
The location also became one of the biggest talking points during fight week. Fighters and media arriving in Egypt repeatedly spoke about the magnitude of the event and the atmosphere surrounding the Pyramids area. Ruiz apparently believed the environment itself could sharpen Usyk mentally before the opening bell.
Usyk comes into the fight off the back of victories over Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua cementing his position as the premier heavyweight of his era. Rico attempts one of the biggest crossover jumps the sport has seen in years. The size and physical strength are there, but many fighters and trainers still see the gap in boxing experience as the deciding factor.
Some fans still want to see how Rico handles Usyk’s movement early. That part alone should answer very quickly.
Andy Ruiz says 6 rounds will be enough 🥶
🎟️ Buy USYK vs RICO HERE –> https://t.co/FoiaUucafv#UsykRico | Glory In Giza | 23 May | @RingMagazine 🤳 pic.twitter.com/dziNJXFy3k
— DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) May 22, 2026
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Last updated on 2026/05/22 at 13:53
