Sky Sports has unearthed rare footage of Rico Verhoeven sparring with Tyson Fury during Fury's preparation for his 2015 world title fight against Wladimir Klitschko. The footage shows Verhoeven, then the dominant heavyweight kickboxer, training with Fury at a crucial moment in the British boxer's career as he prepared to challenge the long-reigning champion.

At that time, Verhoeven was already the best heavyweight kickboxer on the planet, holding the Glory promotion belt. He would continue his championship reign for years before vacating his title last year. Now Verhoeven faces a dramatically different challenge - stepping into the boxing ring against Oleksandr Usyk, the unified heavyweight world champion, in what will be only his second professional boxing match.

The footage provides fascinating insight into Verhoeven's boxing credentials ahead of his unlikely title shot. While sparring with the Fury brothers gave him experience with boxing footwork and jabbing, Usyk represents a vastly superior opponent. The Ukrainian has won Olympic gold, undisputed cruiserweight titles, and twice claimed heavyweight championships without ever losing a professional fight. Verhoeven's transition from kickboxing to facing boxing's ultimate winner will be one of the sport's most intriguing matchups.