Oleksandr Usyk to Face Rico Verhoeven for WBC Heavyweight Title

Ukrainian boxer Oleksandr Usyk is set to defend his WBC heavyweight title against kickboxing champion Rico Verhoeven on May 23, 2026, at the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt. This match will not include Usyk's WBA and IBF belts, as he aims to pursue a personal desire to fight Verhoeven, despite criticism for choosing a novice boxer over established contenders like Agit Kabayel, the WBC interim champion. Usyk, who holds an undefeated record of 24-0 with 15 knockouts, expressed his intent to prioritize his own wishes in this bout, stating, “A lot of time I do what other people (demand). I say OK, OK, OK — now, I do what I (want).”

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Rico Verhoeven, a seasoned kickboxer with a single boxing match under his belt, is confident in his ability to defeat Usyk. Weighing in at approximately 265 pounds, Verhoeven believes his size and kickboxing techniques will provide him with a unique advantage. He stated, “I’m going to bring kickboxing angles, bring a different type of puzzle,” and emphasized that landing his best punch would lead to Usyk's downfall.

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In response to Verhoeven's claims, Usyk maintained that size is not a determining factor in the outcome of the fight. He remarked, “Hard training and good pasta — good pasta, double portion. It’s magic,” highlighting his focus on preparation rather than physical dimensions. Usyk's last fight was a fifth-round knockout of Daniel Dubois in July 2025, and he has not fought since.

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The upcoming match has sparked discussions about the potential future of heavyweight boxing, particularly regarding a long-anticipated fight between Usyk's contemporaries, Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua. Usyk expressed his belief that Joshua would emerge victorious if he and Fury were to meet, calling Joshua the “future undisputed champion.” Fury recently returned to the ring, defeating Arslanbek Makhmudov, and has publicly called out Joshua, who has indicated that negotiations for a fight are underway.

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Usyk's decision to fight Verhoeven has drawn mixed reactions. While some fans and analysts question the choice of opponent, Usyk remains steadfast in his reasoning. Verhoeven has expressed gratitude to British actor Jason Statham for facilitating this opportunity, further adding a layer of intrigue to the event.

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Critics of Usyk's decision argue that fighting a kickboxer rather than a seasoned boxer undermines the competitive integrity of the heavyweight division. They contend that Usyk should focus on defending his titles against recognized challengers rather than pursuing personal preferences.

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• “A lot of time I do what other people (demand). I say OK, OK, OK — now, I do what I (want).” — Oleksandr Usyk

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• “I’m going to bring kickboxing angles, bring a different type of puzzle,” — Rico Verhoeven

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• “Hard training and good pasta — good pasta, double portion. It’s magic,” — Oleksandr Usyk

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• “AJ win. It's the future undisputed champion.” — Oleksandr Usyk

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This upcoming bout between Usyk and Verhoeven not only highlights the intersection of boxing and kickboxing but also sets the stage for potential future matchups in the heavyweight division.

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