Oleksandr Usyk to Defend WBC Title Against Rico Verhoeven at Pyramids of Giza

Unified heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk (24-0, 15 KOs) is set to defend his WBC heavyweight title against kickboxing legend Rico Verhoeven (1-0, 1 KO) on May 23, 2026. The bout will take place at the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt, marking the first heavyweight title fight ever held in the country. The event, titled "Glory in Giza," will be streamed live on DAZN.

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Usyk, a three-time undisputed champion, last fought in July 2025, where he achieved a fifth-round knockout victory over Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium. He has faced and defeated notable heavyweights, including Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury, solidifying his status in the boxing world.

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Verhoeven, 36, is a celebrated kickboxer with a record of 66-10 and a history of 13 successful title defenses in the GLORY promotion. He has only one professional boxing match, a knockout win over Janos Finfera in 2014. Verhoeven has expressed his desire to challenge himself in boxing after a dominant kickboxing career, stating that Usyk represents the highest challenge available.

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This fight is notable not only for its unique crossover between boxing and kickboxing but also for the historical significance of its location. Usyk emphasized the respect he has for Verhoeven, acknowledging his achievements in kickboxing while asserting that boxing is a different sport with its own rules. "Being a champion isn’t just about belts. It’s about years of hard work, discipline, and belief," Usyk stated.

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Verhoeven echoed this sentiment, highlighting his motivation to face Usyk as an undisputed champion in boxing. "Usyk is the undisputed in boxing. That’s the kind of challenge that motivates me. Undisputed versus undisputed," he remarked.

ESPNMirror - UKOleksandr Usyk to face former kickboxing champion Rico Verhoeven, May 23Oleksandr Usyk to Fight Rico Verhoeven in Extraordinary SettingThe Straits Times

Despite the excitement surrounding the event, some boxing fans and analysts have criticized the WBC for sanctioning this bout as a legitimate title fight. Critics argue that Verhoeven's limited boxing experience, particularly his solitary match over a decade ago, raises questions about the validity of the matchup. Comments from fans reflect a mix of skepticism and support for Usyk's decision to fight Verhoeven instead of more established heavyweights like Deontay Wilder or Fabio Wardley.

WBC Heavyweight Champ Oleksandr Usyk Faces Kickboxing Great Rico Verhoeven in Egypt

As the date approaches, anticipation builds for this unprecedented clash at the Pyramids of Giza. Both fighters are poised to make a significant mark in their respective sports, with Usyk defending his title and Verhoeven seeking to prove himself in the boxing ring. The event promises to be a unique spectacle, blending the legacies of two champions from different combat sports.

Oleksandr Usyk’s next opponent named as he defends his WBC title in May

• “I truly respect people who reach the very top in their sport. Rico is one of them — a powerful athlete and a great champion.” — Oleksandr Usyk

WBC receive huge backlash as Oleksandr Usyk to defend title at Pyramids of Giza

• “I spent twelve years as the undisputed heavyweight kickboxing champion and accomplished everything I set out to accomplish. But staying at the top for that long didn’t take away the hunger, it strengthened it,” — Rico Verhoeven

WBC receive huge backlash as Oleksandr Usyk to defend title at Pyramids of Giza