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 confidence that you just know: this is the next king of the ring. I’ve spent years sitting cageside and working the corners at the biggest events, but the buzz surrounding Thian de Vries is different. This 24-year-old isn’t just letting off steam in the gym—he’s 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, stating that within a few years he’ll be more famous and bigger than Rico Verhoeven ever was. You can’t argue with that. And you can see it in his training sessions. While Rico was the undisputed king of the heavyweight division for years, the new generation seems ready to take up the mantle. And Thian de Vries is the one talking the loudest—and training the hardest.
I recently spoke with some people in his inner circle, and they confirmed 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 sharpening his techniques… it’s just next level. The statement about Verhoeven isn’t just a cheap promotional stunt; it’s a reflection of a conviction woven into every kick and punch he throws.
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 note about Thian de Vries on that front. His head coach recently tested the new SMTS boxing gloves. What stood out immediately? The fit and wrist support are so advanced they almost feel custom-made for Thian De Vries. For a fighter as explosive as he is, that’s worth its weight in gold.
- Impact distribution: The shock absorption is so good you can punch harder without risking your hands.
- Wrist stability: No risk of twisting, even on 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 doesn’t overlook a single detail. Every gram, every millimeter counts in the preparation. They’re not just focused on the next fight; they’re building a dynasty. And when you hear the coach talk about those gloves—like he 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 dance around it all we want, but the reality is simple: Glory’s heavyweight division is about to get a major shake-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 defense gets harder, Thian de Vries is just beginning his ultimate ascent. People who have followed the circuit for years are willing to bet that his claim about being ‘bigger than Rico’ isn’t just bravado—it’s a timeline.
It’s not just physical strength. It’s that look in his eyes when he steps into the ring. It’s the way he takes on every challenge like he’s already got the world in his pocket. Here in the Netherlands, we have a rich combat sports history with legends like Ernesto Hoost, Remy Bonjasky, and of course Rico. But if you ask me, we’re now looking at someone who won’t just carry on that legacy—he’ll put his own, even fiercer spin on it. Thian de Vries is writing a story we’ll be hearing about far beyond Dutch borders for years to come.