Alistair Overeem wants Usyk camp for Rico Verhoeven comeback bout

Alistair Overeem wants Oleksandr Usyk to train him for a possible boxing fight against Rico Verhoeven, describing the proposed meeting as a huge event for the Netherlands. The 46-year-old former UFC heavyweight has not boxed professionally, but is considering a move into the sport for a comeback against his fellow Dutchman.

Overeem visited Usyk’s training camp in Valencia and said the experience strengthened his interest in working with the Ukrainian. He believes training within Usyk’s team could help him prepare for Verhoeven and give him a closer look at the methods of a fighter he has studied throughout his career.

The idea follows Verhoeven’s recent boxing appearance against Usyk in May. Verhoeven, a kickboxing champion with limited boxing experience, challenged Usyk for the WBC heavyweight title and took the champion into the 11th round before the contest ended in a disputed stoppage.

Verhoeven’s performance had appeared to surprise many observers after his selection as Usyk’s opponent was criticised. He was viewed as a relatively inexperienced boxer who had been allowed to move ahead of more established heavyweights and challenge one of the division’s leading champions.

Overeem believes his own rivalry with Verhoeven could offer a route back into combat sports. He has not competed in any discipline since testing positive for a banned substance after his October 2022 victory over Badr Hari in GLORY Kickboxing. He has also never fought in a professional boxing contest.

The Dutch heavyweight said a boxing match with Verhoeven could attract major attention across their home country. Established ranked heavyweights have reportedly been reluctant to face Verhoeven because of the possibility of losing to a kickboxer, leaving Overeem as a possible opponent for the former rival’s return to boxing.