Oleksandr Usyk defends title defence vs kickboxer Rico Verhoeven

As always, Usyk took the occasion in his stride. Asked about the secret to his success, he joked: “Hard training and good pasta – double portion.”

The unified champion has previously said he plans to face the winner of Fabio Wardley v Daniel Dubois after Verhoeven, followed by a trilogy fight with Tyson Fury.

However, he said he would step aside if Fury and Anthony Joshua were able to agree a long-discussed bout.

“AJ wins. It’s future undisputed champion,” Usyk said.

For many boxing fans, it was the first extended look at Verhoeven. He has previously sparred with Tyson Fury and trained alongside UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall, and had been lined up to face Joshua before the Briton’s tragic car crash last year, which claimed the lives of two of his friends.

“But this is even bigger and better,” Verhoeven, who came across confident and composed, said.

“Our idea was undisputed versus undisputed. That’s how this fight came about. It’s something very special.”

There had been suggestions the bout could yet be moved because of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, but organisers insist it will take place at a unique setting by the foot of the pyramids of Giza.