ONE of Tyson Furyโs chief sparring partners ahead of the British giantโs massive November 28 world heavyweight title challenge to Wladimir Klitschko believes the fightโs postponement from October 24 has only made the traveller a more likely victor.
Rico Verhoeven, the reigning Glory heavyweight kickboxing champion from the Netherlands, first worked with Fury over three years ago and has been a regular โopponentโ for this most crucial of camps. The 6ft 5in Dutchman, who makes his MMA debut on Monday (October 19), feels the delay has only hardened his friendโs resolve.
โI think heโs gonna do really good,โ Verhoeven opined. โThe fight was postponed but thatโs not a problem for Tyson Fury. The postponement made Tyson stronger mentally and he was already very mentally strong. Iโm really a fan of both guys but I also think itโs time for a new champion, so Iโd want to go for Tyson. Klitschko is a really good boxer so itโs not for nothing heโs been the champion for over 10 years [when all his reigns are considered]. Tysonโs youth, height and weight will be really hard for Klitschko โ heโs fought big guys before but not with the high level of skills Fury has.โ
Verhoeven knows what heโs talking about only too well. The first time he and Fury sparred the Gypsy warrior closed both of Ricoโs eyes. Verhoeven kept coming forward however and coming back over the years, his boxing skills improving as a result.
โIโve also done pads sessions with Peter Fury, Tysonโs trainer and the sparring has got more difficult for Tyson as I have improved,โ reveals Rico, who was last with the Furys two weeks ago and is going back the week after his fight. โThe biggest difference is that I grew a lot as a boxer. He did too but now itโs easier for me to give him a hard time than it was at the beginning. Before I was not moving my head enough and walking onto his jab. The way he moves and the footwork for his height and weight-class is amazing. We are definitely in the warzone, we have to work hard. Every time I go over there I see and feel his improvement.โ
Verhoeven returns to Glory on December 4 in Amsterdam and aims to show off some of his own development.