Rico Verhoeven shares old Tyson Fury sparring footage ahead of Oleksandr Usyk clash
Heavyweight kickboxing champion Rico Verhoeven has stirred discussion across the combat sports world after posting old footage of a sparring session with Tyson Fury from 2015. In the short clip shared online, Verhoeven appears to land a clean right hand that briefly drops the future heavyweight boxing champion during a training exchange.
The footage quickly circulated among fight fans, with many surprised to see the Dutch kickboxing star trading punches with one of boxing’s biggest names nearly a decade ago. While sparring sessions are often controlled and not necessarily reflective of real fight outcomes, the moment offered an interesting glimpse into Verhoeven’s long-standing relationship with the boxing world.
SHOP: Kickboxing Equipment
Rico Verhoeven’s boxing preparation goes back to 2015
Although Verhoeven built his reputation as the long-reigning heavyweight champion in Glory Kickboxing, the Dutch fighter has spent years sharpening his hands alongside professional boxers. According to Verhoeven, the Fury sparring session was just one example of the type of boxing training he has incorporated into his camps since the mid-2010s.
The clip suggests that Verhoeven was comfortable exchanging punches with Fury during the round, even managing to land a solid right hand that appeared to send the British heavyweight to the canvas. Moments like this are not uncommon in sparring, where fighters experiment with timing, technique, and combinations in a less formal environment.
Still, the footage has added intrigue as Verhoeven prepares for one of the most high-profile boxing matches of his career.
The kickboxing superstar is set to step into the boxing ring against Oleksandr Usyk, one of the most technically skilled fighters in the sport. Usyk, a former undisputed cruiserweight champion who later captured heavyweight titles, is widely respected for his movement, ring IQ, and tactical precision.
For Verhoeven, the transition from kickboxing to boxing represents a major challenge. However, the years he has spent sparring with high-level boxers may provide valuable experience as he prepares to face someone of Usyk’s calibre.
While the resurfaced Fury clip does not necessarily predict how Verhoeven will perform in the ring, it highlights the fact that the Dutch striker has been testing himself against elite boxing talent for years. As his bout with Usyk approaches, fans will soon find out whether that background translates into success against one of the sport’s most accomplished champions.
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