During the event, sports competitions alternate with music performances, artistic shows and extensive interaction with the public. In addition to the fight with Verhoeven, there are various other (kick) boxing matches on the program, including a celebrity boxing match with former Orange international Dirk Kuyt. In addition, various charities are linked to the gala.
Verhoeven’s fight is not a title match. However, the organization promises a top-class opponent. The kickboxer, who has been undefeated since 2013, has entered the ring as a champion more than once in the past without his belt being at stake. Like in 2016 against Badr Hari. Verhoeven has always said that he would no longer feel like a champion after a possible defeat in such a prestige fight. So there is certainly a lot at stake in Ahoy.
Verhoeven can make this ‘trip’ as he has agreed to it with Glory owner Pierre Andurand on his contract extension in 2019.
The Glory championship belt, which Rico Verhoeven successfully defended against Jamal Ben Saddik last year, is not at stake in October.
Glory
Idea
Verhoeven explains how the idea for ‘Hit it’ came about. “A year before the corona crisis broke out, it was realized that there was no full-length event for people who love both sports and entertainment. A mix that we mainly know from America.”
“My goals? To win my party and to pamper the public in every possible way”
“In recent years I have seen an ever-larger and new audience come to my matches. People who had not been to a boxing or kickboxing match before because of the prejudice. These were people who went to tennis, football and darts matches with family and friends, or to shows such as De Vrienden van Amstel Live. I was often told that they really liked my fights and wanted to watch more often. It is precisely this group that I would like to continue to serve and in my view this event is very suitable for that.”
High level
In addition to Verhoeven’s match, Kuyt’s celebrity boxing match and various other fights to be announced, a so-called ‘white collar fight’ will also be organised. “Two well-known entrepreneurs or businessmen fight against each other. Can you picture it already? Two telecom bosses, who compete against each other with the aim: who has the best coverage in the Netherlands? They will also be guided professionally for months by top boxing and kickboxing athletes. I think it’s important that all fights are of a high level,” said Verhoeven, who is a perfectionist in all areas.
“We are going to put on an evening full of fun, music, dance and sport”, says Rico Verhoeven.
Glory
Timor Steffens
Timor Steffens takes on the artistic leadership and will, among other things, produce a halftime show, as sports fans know from the Super Bowl. The well-known dancer worked in America with big names such as Michael Jackson and Chris Brown. “I’ve performed at events like the Billboard Music Awards, the Video Music Awards, and NBA All Star competitions. That was really fantastic. So many events come together at such events and the audience is really spoiled. You hardly see that in the Netherlands. We will announce the first music artists, from home and abroad, in the coming weeks.”
Verhoeven is clear about his goals in Ahoy: ,,Of course to win my match and to pamper the public in every possible way.”
A poster of the new sports and entertainment show called ‘Hit It’, with Rico Verhoeven, Dirk Kuyt and Timor Steffens.
HIT IT