Mixed martial arts veterans foresee a technical knockout occurring around the middle rounds.
"I think Usyk will win by TKO in rounds five or six," said Alistair Overeem, retired UFC fighter.
Pundits noted that Verhoeven brings an unorthodox style from his primary combat discipline.
"Verhoeven could be a little unpredictable because he's coming from a different discipline, but I think Usyk will work him out and get the win," said Stacey Copeland, pundit and former boxer.
Broadcasters agreed that the tempo of the fight remains entirely in the hands of the champion.
"I think everyone is right in saying Usyk will win whenever he wants to win.
It will probably be somewhere between rounds five and seven," said Adam Smith, boxing commentator.
American boxing specialists believe the movement of the champion will neutralize the size of the kickboxer.
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"I think Usyk will be too fluid for the stiff and big Verhoeven. I've got Usyk by knockout in nine," said Sergio Mora, American former WBC light-middleweight champion.
Presenters stated that the matchup is simply a case of poor timing for an otherwise capable heavyweight athlete.
"I genuinely believe, given Verhoeven's size and toughness, he could cause any other heavyweight in the division problems.
I'm not saying he'd beat them but he could certainly cause them problems. Unfortunately for him, he is fighting one of the greatest heavyweights of all time.
I think this goes as long as Usyk wants it to go. I'll go for a corner stoppage in round five," said Ade Oladipo, boxing presenter.
