Rico Verhoeven is looking forward to getting back into the ring. The world champion will face Tariq Osaro on November 4 in the Gelredome in Arnhem. Verhoeven says he is not impressed by the great Nigerian. “This will be a different level for him,” says the 34-year-old kickboxer from Halsteren, who was out of the ring for almost two years after a knee injury and surgery.
Verhoeven last played for Glory at the end of 2021, when he was too strong for Jamal Ben Saddik. He was initially scheduled to face Croatian Antonio Plazibat in March, but just before the fight was announced, the Dutch world champion injured his knee.
“When that happened, at first I had a feeling that maybe it was a sign. That this was it. But after the surgery I started thinking about it and decided that I want to quit on my own terms.”
“He deserves a chance, but this is another level.”
Verhoeven said that he has put a lot of work into his rehabilitation. “I’m happy to be back. It was a long road back. It normally takes nine to twelve months and I did it in seven months. The hard work paid off. The hardest part was that I couldn’t do things until when that was allowed and that I had to take it easy.”
Verhoeven had nothing but praise for his opponent Osaro, but the title fight is of a different order. “He’s a great fighter. I’ve seen all his fights. He deserves a chance, but November 4 is a different test. This is a different level.”