Johnny Nelson believes Oleksandr Usyk will beat Rico Verhoeven, but not by the method most are anticipating.
Usyk defends his unified world heavyweight titles against Verhoeven at the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt on Saturday, live on DAZN.
Many are expecting the undefeated Ukrainian great to stop the ex-kickboxing champion, who fights as a professional boxer for just the second time and for the first time in almost 12 years.
Usyk is priced at 2/9 with Bet365 to secure a 16th professional knockout, but former cruiserweight world champion, Nelson believes he’ll be taken the distance by the Dutchman.
“I don’t think it will be a stoppage,” the 59-year-old told Boxing King Media.
“I think it’ll be a points win for Usyk.
“I think Rico will be very fit, very strong.
“Limited in regards to technique in comparison, but I think he’ll go the distance.
“He’ll grab and hold.
“Unless the referee jumps in and save him, but it won’t be a beatdown.”
Usyk fights for the first time since July where he became a two-time undisputed heavyweight world champion, stopping Daniel Dubois in the fifth round.
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The Ukrainian later vacated his WBO title, with Fabio Wardley becoming champion before losing it in a first defence against Dubois earlier this month.
The WBC sanctioned the Usyk-Verhoeven bout, although the WBA and IBF have set their own stances on the controversial clash.
The WBA has approved the 37-year-old to defend his belt, but the challenger cannot win it and should Usyk lose they will review the situation.
A statement from the WBA read: “Should Usyk emerge victorious, the bout will officially count as a successful title defense. If the champion were to lose, the WBA Championship Committee would then review his status and determine the next course of action regarding the heavyweight championship.
“As for Verhoeven, a victory would not earn him any WBA title recognition, although it would make him eligible to enter the organization’s heavyweight rankings.”
As for the IBF, their belt is not at stake, but should Usyk lose he will be stripped of his title.
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