Glory, the world’s largest kickboxing organization, has launched the ambitious new series Last Heavyweight Standing, but surprisingly without its biggest star: Rico Verhoeven. The commercial figurehead, who has long been the face of the heavyweight division, is absent from this spectacular elimination series. While the show is being presented as an innovative step for the sport, experts believe there are potential drawbacks to the plans.

Rico’s Absence

The absence of Rico Verhoeven is a significant loss for the tournament. The 34-year-old ‘King of Kickboxing’ has dominated Glory for years and has served as the organization’s poster boy. However, Verhoeven is still recovering from injuries and working on his comeback. Without his presence, Glory not only misses out on a sporting icon but also a commercial heavyweight who attracts millions of viewers.

The Concept of ‘Last Heavyweight Standing’

The tournament is presented as an elimination battle where the best heavyweights in the world face off until one champion remains. This format is designed to build suspense and offer a new type of competition experience. However, it also raises some questions. Critics point out that the quality of the lineup, without Rico and some other established names, may not meet the high expectations associated with the concept.

Commercial Strategy: Potential Risks

While Last Heavyweight Standing is being marketed as a commercial bombshell, there seem to be some risks attached to the plan. Without Rico as a major draw, the audience may partially lose interest, especially since kickboxing now faces competition from other popular combat sports like MMA. Additionally, there are concerns that a focus on rapid eliminations and spectacle may overshadow the technical aspects of kickboxing, which could alienate fans who value the sport’s depth.

The Future of the Heavyweight Division

However, the new series also presents opportunities. Glory has a chance to introduce new stars and inject fresh blood into the heavyweight division. Young talent will have a platform to prove themselves, and the elimination format could bring unexpected rising stars who may surprise the audience. Still, the question remains whether these newcomers can fill the huge shoes left by Rico.

A Balanced Approach Needed

Although Last Heavyweight Standing could mark an exciting new chapter for Glory, its success is far from guaranteed. The organization will need to find the right balance between commercial ambitions and sporting credibility. With Rico’s possible return in the future, the question remains: can Glory continue without its king, or does the sport truly need him to maintain its throne?