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 talent radiates so much confidence that you know: this is the next king of the ring. I’ve been sitting cage-side and in the corners of 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 makes no secret of.
The heir apparent who shows no mercy
While some fighters hide behind humble answers, Thian de Vries pulls no punches. In a recent interview, he threw down the gauntlet with the statement that within a few years, he’ll be more famous and bigger than Rico Verhoeven ever was. No two ways about it. You can see it in his training sessions too. While Rico was the undisputed king of the heavyweight division for years, the new generation looks ready to take over that mantle. And Thian de Vries is the one shouting the loudest, but also training the hardest.
I spoke with some people from his inner circle recently, and they confirm the picture: this isn’t a guy waiting for his turn. This is an athlete bulldozing his own path. The way he maintains his body, the intensity with which he keeps refining his techniques... it’s simply 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.
The secret behind the new gear
In combat sports, it’s not just about muscle; it’s also about the tools. And right now, there’s an interesting detail to report on precisely that regarding 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, 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 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 equipment shows that Thian de Vries’s team doesn’t overlook a single detail. 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 how the coach talks about those gloves – as if he’s just found a brand-new weapon for a war that’s already underway – then you know something special is about to happen.
The timeline to the top
We can dance around it, but the reality is simple: the Glory heavyweight division is about to be 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. Where Rico Verhoeven has now 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 he already has the world 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 isn’t just continuing that legacy, but putting his own, even fiercer spin on it. Thian de Vries is writing a story that we’ll be hearing for years to come, far beyond the Dutch borders.