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Boxing
Usyk 'due an easy one' as ex-champion backs Verhoeven bout
Usyk vs. Verhoeven: Only on DAZN PPV - Saturday
Oleksandr Usyk's decision to face Rico Verhoeven does not affect his legacy, with Carl Frampton relishing his return on Saturday.
The Ukrainian will face the Dutch kickboxer at the Giza necropolis this weekend, live on DAZN Pay-Per-View and Ultimate Tier.
Having reigned as an undisputed two-weight champion across his career, Verhoeven represents a nominal step-down for Usyk.
But Frampton believes the star has earned the right to take a crossover bout, pointing to Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua's exploits.
DAZN FACE OFF: Usyk vs. Verhoeven
Watch dramatic clash here
"I think if he'd done it and no-one else had, then it may have affected his legacy," he told DAZN News. "But I don't think it does.
"I think he was due one of these. If you look at the list [of opponents] from cruiserweight to heavyweight, it's been killer after killer.
"He's never had an easy match, has he? He was due an easy one. He's one of my favourite fighters over the last couple of decades.
"When you look around and see what's gone on with Fury and 'AJ'... I'm looking forward to that fight. I love everything about him."
Does Usyk risk stalwart reputation?
DAZN News correspondent Andrew Steel
There's a school of thought that Oleksandr Usyk's decision to tackle Rico Verhoeven represents a step-back for the veteran star.
In a way, it does. No matter the Dutchman's achievements as a kickboxer, things are very different when it is just your fists in play.
But at the same time, Usyk owes the boxing traditionalists nothing. An Olympic champion, he has conquered every mountain.
If he wants to take a crossover fight for a major payday, there's no reason to stop him. Anthony Joshua did it. So did Tyson Fury.
Whatever may be in store for Usyk now, his reputation is not hurt by taking this bout. Should he lose however... that's a different story.
Watch Usyk vs Verhoeven only on DAZN
Oleksandr Usyk puts his unbeaten record on the line against Rico Verhoeven on Saturday, May 23, in front of the Egyptian pyramids, live and exclusive on DAZN. Buy as a one-off PPV or included, along with Zayas vs. Ennis (June 27) PPV, with a DAZN Ultimate Tier subscription.
