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Usyk vs. Verhoeven Headlines WBC Title at Giza Pyramids

5/27/2026

44 9 Full Breakdown

Summary

Usyk Battles Giza

The Pyramids of Giza will host Oleksandr Usyk vs. Rico Verhoeven on May 23, 2026 for a WBC heavyweight title.
Usyk, the unified Ukrainian champion, faces Dutch kickboxer Verhoeven, who is 1-0 in boxing, while Agit Kabayel called the bout a show and predicted an easy night for Usyk.
Saudi financier Turki Alalshikh announced a Usyk-Kabayel fight in Germany, making the Giza contest the WBC’s 137th heavyweight title bout.

Summary

Fury Calls Mistake

Referee Mark Lyson stopped the bout with one second left in round 11, later saying he never heard the bell.
Coach Peter Fury called the stoppage a mistake, citing Verhoeven’s lost mouthpiece and a brief lapse in concentration.
Tyson Fury said Verhoeven will box again around September-October, stay in the heavyweight division, and dismissed a kick-boxing return.

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Usyk Battles Giza

The Pyramids of Giza will host Oleksandr Usyk vs. Rico Verhoeven on May 23, 2026 for a WBC heavyweight title.
Usyk, the unified Ukrainian champion, faces Dutch kickboxer Verhoeven, who is 1-0 in boxing, while Agit Kabayel called the bout a show and predicted an easy night for Usyk.
Saudi financier Turki Alalshikh announced a Usyk-Kabayel fight in Germany, making the Giza contest the WBC’s 137th heavyweight title bout.

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