Rico Verhoeven is a name synonymous with heavyweight kickboxing dominance. For over a decade, he reigned as the GLORY Heavyweight Champion, building an unprecedented legacy before transitioning to professional boxing. This profile examines his record, his recent high-profile fight against Oleksandr Usyk, his net worth, his family, and what comes next for the Dutch fighter.
Who is Rico Verhoeven? The King of Kickboxing
Ricardo Verhoeven
The King of Kickboxing
Netherlands
37 (born 10 April 1989)
6’5″ (1.96 m)
115–123 kg (253–271 lbs)
Kickboxing
Boxing
Key Insights
- Rico Verhoeven is widely regarded as the greatest heavyweight kickboxer of all time, holding the GLORY Heavyweight Championship for over a decade.
- He is the longest-reigning GLORY Heavyweight Champion, with a record 13 title defenses between 2014 and 2025.
- His kickboxing record stands at an impressive 66-10, with 21 wins coming by knockout.
- He transitioned to professional boxing in 2023 and faced undisputed heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk in May 2026.
- His net worth is not officially disclosed but is estimated to be in the multi-million euro range.
Rico Verhoeven Biography & Career Highlights
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Ricardo “Rico” Verhoeven |
| Born | 10 April 1989, Bergen op Zoom, Netherlands |
| Age (2026) | 37 years |
| Height | 1.96 m (6’5″) |
| Weight | 115–123 kg |
| Reach | 2.00 m |
| Kickboxing Record | 66–10, 21 KOs |
| GLORY Reign | 2014–2025 (11+ years), 13 title defenses |
| Boxing Record | 1–1 (1 KO win, 1 TKO loss) |
| Training Start | Martial arts at age 1 (kyokushin), kickboxing at age 7 |
| Club | Superpro Sportcenter |
What is Rico Verhoeven’s Kickboxing Record?
Rico Verhoeven’s kickboxing record is one of the most dominant in the sport’s history. Standing at 66 wins and 10 losses, with 21 victories coming by knockout, his numbers tell a story of sustained excellence.
A Decade of Dominance in GLORY
Verhoeven’s reign as GLORY Heavyweight Champion lasted from 2014 until November 2025. During that time, he successfully defended his title a record 13 times. His unbeaten streak within the organization stretched an extraordinary 4,418 days, a testament to his skill and longevity at the top of the heavyweight division.
Verhoeven’s 12-year undefeated streak in GLORY is one of the longest in combat sports history. He won multiple GLORY titles, including the 2013 HW Tournament, the 2014 HW Championship, the 2021 HW Tournament, and the 2024 HW Grand Prix.
Notable Wins
His list of defeated opponents reads like a who’s who of heavyweight kickboxing. He holds notable wins over Badr Hari (TKO R1, 2016), Gökhan Saki, Hesdy Gerges, and Daniel Ghita. These victories helped cement his reputation as a fighter capable of beating the best on the biggest stages.
What is Rico Verhoeven’s Boxing Record (BoxRec)?
Verhoeven’s professional boxing career is still in its early stages. His official BoxRec boxing record currently stands at 1 win and 1 loss.
He made his professional boxing debut in 2023, securing a first-round knockout victory. This set the stage for his most significant boxing challenge to date.
On May 23, 2026, he faced the undisputed heavyweight champion, Oleksandr Usyk, in Gizeh, Egypt. The fight, promoted on DAZN, was for the WBC World Heavyweight Title. Verhoeven was stopped by TKO in the 11th round. The stoppage came just one second before the round’s end, a decision that irritated many fans due to its controversial timing.
Is Rico Verhoeven Fighting Oleksandr Usyk? What is His Next Fight?
The question of Rico Verhoeven’s next fight is the most pressing topic for his fans. As of July 2026, no official next fight has been announced.
The fight against Oleksandr Usyk has already taken place. Had Verhoeven won, he would have become the fastest world champion in boxing history, achieving the feat in just his second professional bout. Instead, the loss marked his first professional defeat in the sport.
Following the Usyk bout, Verhoeven has expressed his intent to continue his boxing career. Any future fights would likely be in the heavyweight division, possibly for another WBC recognition or a rematch. However, no opponent or date has been confirmed.
What Happened in the Usyk vs. Verhoeven Fight?
The 12-round WBC Heavyweight Title fight took place in Gizeh, Egypt. Usyk, the reigning undisputed champion, used his superior boxing skills to control the fight. Verhoeven showed heart and resilience, but the referee stepped in to stop the bout in the 11th round.
Rico Verhoeven Career Timeline
- 1989 – Born in Bergen op Zoom, Netherlands.
- 2008 – Makes his professional kickboxing debut.
- 2013 – Wins the GLORY Heavyweight Championship.
- 2014-2023 – Dominates the division with multiple title defenses, including a famous win over Badr Hari.
- 2023 – Makes his professional boxing debut, winning by first-round KO.
- 2025 – Relinquishes his GLORY Heavyweight title after over 12 years as champion.
- 2026 – Fights and loses to Oleksandr Usyk for the WBC Heavyweight Title.
Who is Rico Verhoeven’s Wife?
Rico Verhoeven is engaged to Naomy van Beem. The couple announced their engagement in September 2024. His marital status beyond this engagement is not fully confirmed in public records.
Verhoeven has three children with his ex-wife, Jacky Duchenne. The couple has two daughters, Mikayla and Jazlynn, and a son. He maintains a public relationship with his children, often sharing moments from his family life.
While his fighting career keeps him in the headlines, Verhoeven’s personal life centers on his children and his fiancée, Naomy van Beem. He has spoken in interviews about the importance of family balance.
What is Rico Verhoeven’s Net Worth?
Rico Verhoeven’s net worth is not publicly disclosed. No official financial records or statements are available from the fighter or his management.
Media estimates suggest his wealth is in the multi-million euro range. This is based on his long championship reign, which included numerous high-profile fights on major platforms, as well as sponsorship deals and endorsements accumulated over his 11-year tenure at the top of GLORY. It is important to note that these figures remain estimates and are not confirmed by any official source.
The King of Kickboxing: A Legacy in Context
Rico Verhoeven’s career represents a unique pivot in modern combat sports. As a dominant kickboxer, he is attempting to replicate the crossover success seen by fighters like Francis Ngannou, moving from one discipline to the highest level of boxing.
His potential matchup with Oleksandr Usyk was a major topic in the combat sports world. It represented a significant clash of styles: Usyk’s elite, technical boxing against Verhoeven’s size, power, and kickboxing background. The fight generated massive speculation and interest, even if the outcome was decisive.
What Do the Sources Say?
Verhoeven’s legacy is well-documented across several authoritative platforms. Wikipedia notes that he “has been regarded as one of the greatest kickboxers of all time.”
“A very intelligent fighter… creative and focuses a lot on technicality.”
— GLORY Kickboxing, on their official fighter profile
Verhoeven himself has used social media to build hype for his boxing crossover. On his official Instagram, he stated: “15x Heavyweight Kickboxing World Champion. Now I’m coming for boxing’s crown.”
“15x Heavyweight Kickboxing World Champion. Now I’m coming for boxing’s crown May 23 | Usyk.”
— Rico Verhoeven (Instagram)
His official BoxRec kickboxing record provides the factual data behind his long career.
What’s Next for Rico Verhoeven?
The primary pending event is the official announcement of his next professional boxing opponent. Following his fight against Usyk, Verhoeven has expressed a clear desire to continue in the sport. Fans should follow official boxing promotions for the final word on his next bout. His continued foray into professional boxing remains the key storyline to watch. For more on combat sports athletes making major career moves, read about Charles Oliveira – Full Career Record, Next Fight and BMF Win in 2026 and Caroline Dubois – Bio, Record and Family Rift Explained.
Frequently Asked Questions
What organization does Rico Verhoeven fight for?
He is the former GLORY Heavyweight Kickboxing Champion, having reigned from 2014 to 2025.
Has Rico Verhoeven lost a fight?
He has suffered very few losses in his kickboxing career, primarily in his early years. He was undefeated in GLORY competition for over a decade.
Is Rico Verhoeven fighting in MMA?
He has focused primarily on kickboxing and professional boxing. An MMA career has not been a significant part of his recent plans.
How old is Rico Verhoeven?
He was born on April 10, 1989, making him 37 years old in 2026.
How tall is Rico Verhoeven?
He stands at 1.96 meters, which is 6 feet 5 inches.
What is Rico Verhoeven’s fighting style?
He is known for being a technical and intelligent fighter, using his size and reach effectively. He is creative and focuses on clean striking.
Did Rico Verhoeven fight Oleksandr Usyk?
Yes, he fought and lost to Oleksandr Usyk by TKO in the 11th round on May 23, 2026.
How many children does Rico Verhoeven have?
He has three children from his previous marriage to Jacky Duchenne.