Oleksandr Usyk and Rico Verhoeven will compete for the undisputed heavyweight championship of the world on Saturday, May 23, 2026, at the historic Giza Necropolis in Egypt. The 12-round boxing match, dubbed “Glory in Giza,” will feature Usyk defending his WBA and WBC heavyweight titles along with the IBF belts. The event is a Saudi-backed production organized through The Ring and Sela, set against the open-air backdrop of the iconic pyramids just outside Cairo.
The matchup represent a rare crossover title bout between two dominant forces in combat sports. Oleksandr Usyk is the unbeaten boxing champion seeking a fresh challenge, while Rico Verhoeven is the long-running heavyweight force from the GLORY kickboxing promotion. Verhoeven is stepping into a different world to test himself against a boxing legend in a venue that matches the monumental scale of the stakes. This Usyk-Verhoeven Egypt bout has been described by promoters as a historic moment for the sport.
For Verhoeven, the transition to the boxing ring presents a steep technical hurdle. However, his standing as a premier heavyweight striker ensures that the “Glory in Giza” card carries significant intrigue beyond traditional boxing circles. The event organizers have lean into the spectacle of the location, ensuring the ring is positioned with the pyramids clearly visible to global broadcast audiences. This Usyk-Verhoeven Giza bout marks one of the most unique settings for a heavyweight title fight in the modern era.
Broadcast details and Oleksandr Usyk vs Rico Verhoeven start times
The main card for the Giza event is confirmed to begin at 1:00 PM ET or 10:00 AM PT for viewers in the United States. In the United Kingdom, the broadcast starts at 6:00 PM BST. Local fans in Egypt can expect the action to begin at 8:00 PM EEST (Eastern European Summer Time) or 9:00 PM EET depending on specific regional daylight designations, ensuring the event takes place during the Egyptian evening hours.
Main event ring walks are currently expected to take place at approximately 5:48 PM ET or 2:48 PM PT in North America. For those watching in the United Kingdom, the walk is slated for approximately 10:48 PM BST. Fans in Egypt should prepare for the main event to begin around 12:48 AM EEST on the morning of Sunday, May 24. Most outlets suggest the walk will occur roughly two to three hours after the main card begins.
Confirmed undercard for the Glory in Giza event
The supporting card features several high-stakes matches, including a co-main event between Hamzah Sheeraz and Alem Begic. They will fight for the vacant WBO Super Middleweight title. Sheeraz, who is 26 years old and ranked No. 8 by The Ring, carries an unbeaten record into the bout. He faces the 39-year-old Begic, who brings an experienced 29-0-1 record to the ring.
The full confirmed Glory in Giza fight card includes:
- Oleksandr Usyk vs. Rico Verhoeven (WBA and WBC Heavyweight titles)
- Hamzah Sheeraz vs. Alem Begic (Vacant WBO Super Middleweight title)
- Jack Catterall vs. Shakhram Giyasov (WBA Regular Welterweight title)
- Frank Sanchez vs. Richard Torrez Jr. (IBF Heavyweight title eliminator)
- Mizuki Hiruta vs. Mai Soliman (The Ring and WBO Super Flyweight titles)
- Daniel Lapin vs. Benjamin Mendes Tani (Light Heavyweight)
- Basem Mamdouh vs. Jamar Talley (Cruiserweight)
- Mahmoud Mobark vs. Michael Kalyalya (Average Weight)
- Omar Hikal vs. Ali Sserunkuma (Welterweight)
- Sultan Almohammed vs. Dedy Impart (Lightweight)
Heavyweight eliminator and welterweight title details
A significant heavyweight clash features Frank Sanchez taking on Richard Torrez Jr. in an IBF title eliminator. Richard Torrez Jr. enters the bout with a perfect 14-0-0 record and has noted that he anticipates the Sanchez bout demonstrating his ability to handle elite-level pressure. Sanchez holds a 25-1-0 record and represents a major hurdle for the rising American prospect.
In the welterweight division, Jack Catterall meets Shakhram Giyasov for the WBA regular welterweight belt. Both fighters are 32 years old, with Giyasov currently ranked No. 7 by The Ring. This match serves as a crucial crossroads for both veterans, as the winner will be positioned for larger world title opportunities later in the year. The card also features Mizuki Hiruta defending her super flyweight titles against Mai Soliman.
This massive Egyptian production serves as a showcase for various weight classes, from lightweight to heavyweight. The inclusion of bouts like Basem Mamdouh vs. Jamar Talley and Daniel Lapin vs. Benjamin Mendes Tani ensures a deep schedule of competitive action. Each fight on the card contributes to a night of historical world championship boxing in one of the most famous tourist destinations on the planet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time do the main event ring walks start in Egypt?
The ring walks for Oleksandr Usyk and Rico Verhoeven are expected to take place at approximately 12:48 AM EEST on Sunday, May 24, for local fans in Egypt. This follows the main card which begins at 8:00 PM EEST on Saturday night.
Which titles are on the line in the main event?
The fight is for the undisputed heavyweight championship of the world. Oleksandr Usyk is defending his WBA and WBC heavyweight titles, the WBC heavyweight world championship, and the IBF belts in the 12-round contest.
Where is the Glory in Giza fight taking place?
The event is being held at the Giza Necropolis, situated at the Pyramids of Giza just outside Cairo, Egypt. The ring is set up in an open-air environment with the pyramids as the backdrop for the evening’s matches.
