WBC heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk will defend his title against kickboxing legend Rico Verhoeven on Saturday, May 23, 2026, at the historic Pyramids of Giza in Egypt. The cross-sport clash, which will be contested under professional boxing rules, headlines a massive weekend of world-class combat sports. While the WBC and The Ring belts are officially on the line, the International Boxing Federation (IBF) and World Boxing Association (WBA) have confirmed their titles will not be at stake, though Usyk will retain his championship status with both organizations if he emerges victorious.
The event is set to be a global spectacle, with the main card beginning at 6:00 PM BST (1:00 PM EST) and ring walks for the heavyweight clash expected at 10:00 PM BST. For fans watching from home, the card will be available worldwide via DAZN Pay-Per-View at a cost of £24.99 in the United Kingdom and $59.99 in the United States. This fight marks a significant pivot for the heavyweight division, as the undefeated Ukrainian southpaw faces a man considered the “King of Kickboxing” in a high-stakes environment where one mistake could vacate the IBF strap.
Rico Verhoeven enters the ring with limited boxing experience but carries a reputation as one of the most physically imposing strikers in combat sports history. He faces an uphill battle against Usyk, who has established himself as one of the most dangerous boxers in the world today. Usyk is currently making his third defense of the WBC title he won from Tyson Fury and his fifth defense of the Ring Magazine championship, a reign that has now spanned nearly four years since his victory over Anthony Joshua.
Extensive undercard and weekend schedule details
The May 22-23 schedule is packed with competitive bouts across multiple continents. Before the action shifts to Egypt, Friday night features a significant middleweight crossroads fight. Amari Jones, who is currently planning an Oakland homecoming during his rise through the 160-pound rankings, will face former world champion Vincenzo Gualtieri in a 12-round contest. This fight serves as a lead-in to a Saturday slate that includes two additional world title fights and several highly anticipated heavyweight prospects.
The Giza card also features a fascinating vacant WBO super middleweight title fight between Hamzah Sheeraz and Alem Begic. Both fighters enter the ring with nearly perfect records and high knockout ratios, making it one of the most unpredictable matchups on the broadcast. Meanwhile, Jack Catterall looks to finally secure a “Regular” world title at welterweight after years of hovering around the top of the 140 and 147-pound divisions.
Official fight list for May 22-23, 2026
The following bouts have been confirmed for the upcoming weekend of action across various venues and broadcasts:
Friday, May 22
- Amari Jones vs. Vincenzo Gualtieri (12 rounds, Middleweight)
- Robin Sirwan Safar vs. Yamil Alberto Peralta (12 rounds, Cruiserweight)
Saturday, May 23 (Pyramids of Giza Card)
- Oleksandr Usyk vs. Rico Verhoeven (12 rounds, WBC Heavyweight Title)
- Hamzah Sheeraz vs. Alem Begic (12 rounds, vacant WBO Super Middleweight Title)
- Jack Catterall vs. Shakhram Giyasov (12 rounds, vacant WBA “Regular” Welterweight Title)
- Frank Sanchez vs. Richard Torrez Jr. (10 rounds, WBC Americas and WBO NABO Heavyweight Titles)
- Mizuki Hiruta vs. Mai Soliman (10 rounds, WBO Super Flyweight Title)
- Daniel Lapin vs. Benjamin Mendes Tani (10 rounds, WBA, WBO, and IBF Intercontinental Light Heavyweight Titles)
- Sultan Almohammed vs. Dedy Imprax (4 rounds, Featherweight)
- Basem Mamdouh vs. Jamar Talley (8 rounds, Cruiserweight)
- Mohamed Mabrouk Yehya vs. Michael Kalyalya (4 rounds, Middleweight)
- Omar Hikal vs. Ali Sserunkuma (4 rounds, Welterweight)
Other Saturday Matches
- Ermal Hadribeaj vs. Bakary Samake (12 rounds, Super Welterweight)
Analysis of the heavyweight and welterweight implications
The heavyweight clash between Sanchez and Torrez Jr. on the Pharaohs’ doorstep could dictate the next wave of title challengers. Torrez Jr., the Olympic silver medalist, is stepping up significantly against the seasoned Sanchez. This match is a classic prospect-vs-contender test that will determine if Torrez’s explosive power can translate to the elite level. The pressure is equally high for Sanchez, who needs a convincing win to erase the memory of past stumbles and rejoin the championship conversation.
In the welterweight division, Jack Catterall faces Shakhram Giyasov in what critics describe as a purist’s dream matchup. Catterall has been a perennial contender, often finding himself on the wrong end of narrow decisions in major fights. Giyasov, an Olympic medalist from Uzbekistan, brings a technical prowess that will force Catterall to be perfect over 12 rounds. This bout comes at a time when the boxing world is still shifting following the fallout of major management groups, leaving the WBA “Regular” title as a vital lifeline for both men.
The inclusion of Mizuki Hiruta defending her WBO super flyweight title against Mai Soliman highlights the growing international reach of women’s boxing. Soliman will have the benefit of a pseudo-home crowd in Egypt, but Hiruta’s defensive technicality has made her a difficult puzzle for any challenger to solve in recent years. This fight, along with the heavyweight main event, ensures that the Giza card offers variety to the DAZN PPV audience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the undisputed heavyweight championship on the line for Usyk vs Verhoeven?
No, the status is not for the undisputed championship. While Oleksandr Usyk is defending his WBC and Ring Magazine titles, the IBF and WBA have opted not to sanction the fight against Verhoeven for their belts. If Usyk loses, the IBF title will be declared vacant, while the WBA will maintain Usyk as its champion regardless of the outcome.
How can fans in the UK and US watch the Giza event?
The entire card from the Pyramids of Giza is being broadcast exclusively on DAZN Pay-Per-View. It will cost £24.99 for viewers in the United Kingdom and $59.99 for those in the United States. You do not need an active monthly subscription to the service to buy the pay-per-view, though subscribers may receive different access options.
What happens to the IBF title if Rico Verhoeven wins?
If Rico Verhoeven defeats Oleksandr Usyk, he will not become the IBF champion. Instead, the IBF has ruled that the belt will become vacant immediately upon a Usyk loss. This is due to the IBF’s refusal to sanction a bout against a challenger who is not ranked within their top contenders in the boxing world.
