The Dutch kickboxer is seen as a huge underdog against the legendary Ukrainian fighter in the WBC bout that will be staged in front of Egypt's ancient Pyramids of Giza next month but is confident that his powerful hitting makes him capable of taking down Usyk.

Verhoeven told reporters: "When I land my best punch on him, of course, he will go down. It’s, like, a 20-kilo weight difference.

"He’s like a built-up cruiserweight, and I’m like a naturally-born heavyweight. That’s a big difference. That's what's going to happen if I land my best shot clean."

Verhoeven has limited boxing experience - winning his only previous professional bout back in 2014 - but is adamant that he can pull off one of the biggest upsets in the sport's history against the undefeated two-time undisputed heavyweight world champion.

He said: "All smiles because what an opportunity we have to upset the world and write history.

"Exactly what Eddie (Hearn) said, 'Are you crazy?' I think to be the very best at what you're going, you have to be a little bit crazy and I think that's just not me, but every vertical and every discipline, you have to be a little bit crazy and obsessed with what you're doing, and that's what I am. What I do, I do to the point perfect. I do to perfection.

"In my vision, I love it, I enjoy it, and I do it with so much passion. I'm crazy excited to be here and super thankful for the opportunity that Oleksandr Usyk has given me."