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Breaking: Rico Verhoeven return date set in GLORY

Rico Verhoeven is returning to defend his heavyweight championship on November 4 in the Netherlands

Justin Barrasso

Breaking: Rico Verhoeven return date set in GLORY
Breaking: Rico Verhoeven return date set in GLORY /

Rico Verhoeven is ready to defend his title.

The reigning Glory heavyweight champion is returning for a kickboxing bout against interim champ Tariq Osaro, which will be the centerpiece of a card on November 4 at the GelreDome in Arnhem in the Netherlands.

While Verhoeven is still considered the top kickboxer in the world, he has not competed in the Glory ring since his classic against Jamal Ben Saddik in 2021. A knee injury prevented his return earlier this year, and Osaro has dominated Glory over during Verhoeven’s absence over the past year.

But Verhoeven says he is now ready to defend his title.

“It has been a long road back from recovery, but I am finally here,” says Verhoeven. “I’ve never been more motivated to step back into the ring than I am right now. I am the king of kickboxing and feel stronger than ever.”

Available exclusively on pay-per-view through GLORYFights.com, the fight will be a chance for Verhoeven (60-10, 20 KO) to extend his 16-fight win streak and reclaim authority of the division. But he is not taking his competition lightly.

Osaro (25-2-1, 13 KO) has ripped through his last four opponents. Most recently, the 27-year-old Osaro knocked out the heavily favored Antonio Plazibat in June to capture the interim title.

“Tariq is a great fighter,” says Verhoeven, 34. “He’s respectful, he lets his hands do the talking. That’s refreshing compared to past opponents, but it also makes him dangerous. He’s big and powerful, and climbed the ranks rapidly. But he does not have the real belt or the experience in such a big fight.

“Rest assured, I’m planning to hold onto my belt on November 4. Fans can expect a battle between two giants.”

Justin Barrasso can be reached at JBarrasso@gmail.com. Follow him on Twitter @JustinBarrasso.

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Justin Barrasso
JUSTIN BARRASSO

Justin Barrasso has been writing for Sports Illustrated since 2014. While his primary focus is pro wrestling and MMA, he has also covered MLB, NBA, and the NFL. He can be reached at JBarrasso@gmail.com and followed on Twitter @JustinBarrasso.

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