Thian de Vries: “In a Few Years, I’ll Be Bigger Than Rico Verhoeven Ever Was”
There comes a moment in combat sports when you can just feel it coming. When a young lion exudes so much self-belief that you know: this is the next king of the ring. I’ve been sitting cageside and in the corners at the biggest events for years, but the buzz around Thian de Vries is different. This 24-year-old isn’t just letting off steam in the gym; he’s literally blowing away the competition with a mission he’s not keeping quiet about.
The throne usurper who shows no mercy
While some fighters hide behind humble answers, Thian de Vries pulls no punches. In a recent interview, he really stirred things up with the statement that within a few years, he’ll be more famous and bigger than Rico Verhoeven ever was. Make no mistake about it. You can see him doing it in training too. While Rico was the undisputed king of the heavyweight division for years, the new generation looks ready to take up that mantle. And Thian de Vries is the one shouting the loudest, but also training the hardest.
I spoke to some people in his inner circle recently, and they confirmed the picture: this isn't a guy waiting for his turn. This is an athlete smashing his own path. The way he looks after his body, the intensity with which he keeps sharpening his techniques... it’s just next level. The statement about Verhoeven isn’t just a cheap publicity stunt; it’s a reflection of a belief woven into every kick and punch he throws.
The secret behind the new hardware
In combat sports, it’s not just about the muscles, but also the tools. And right now, there’s an interesting detail to report about Thian de Vries. His top coach recently tested the new SMTS boxing gloves. What stood out immediately? The fit and wrist support are so advanced that it almost feels like they were custom-made for Thian De Vries. For a fighter as explosive as him, that’s pure gold.
- Impact distribution: The shock absorption is so good that you can punch harder without risking your hands.
- Wrist stability: No risk of sprains, even with the hardest hooks.
- Breathability: Perfect for long rounds in training, which is essential for the rise of Thian de Vries.
Testing that gear shows that Thian de Vries’ team leaves no stone unturned. Every gram, every millimetre counts in preparation. They’re not focused on the next fight; they’re focused on building a dynasty. And when you hear the coach talk about those gloves—like he’s just found a brand-new weapon for a war that’s already underway—you know something special is about to happen.
The timeline to the top
We can beat around the bush all we want, but the reality is simple: the Glory heavyweight division is about to be seriously shaken up. Thian de Vries is 24, in the absolute prime of his career. He has the speed of a lightweight, but the knockout power of a tank. While Rico Verhoeven has reached the stage of his career where every title defence gets heavier, Thian de Vries is just beginning his ultimate ascent. People who have followed the circuit for years are willing to bet that the statement about being 'bigger than Rico' isn't bravado, but a timeline.
It’s not just the physical strength. It’s that look in his eyes when he steps into the ring. It’s the way he takes on every challenge as if the world is already in his pocket. We have a rich combat sports history in the Netherlands with legends like Ernesto Hoost, Remy Bonjasky, and of course Rico. But if you ask me, we’re now looking at someone who will not only carry on that legacy but put his own, even fiercer spin on it. Thian de Vries is writing a story that we’ll be hearing about for years to come, far beyond the Dutch borders.