Oleksandr Usyk will defend his WBC heavyweight title against kickboxing icon Rico Verhoeven at the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt on Saturday, May 23, 2026. The 12-round clash, headlined as “Glory in Giza,” is for the undisputed heavyweight championship of the world, with the WBC, WBA, IBF, and The Ring belts all on the line. While Oleksandr Usyk enters as the multi-belt champion, this specific defense focuses on his WBC strap as he meets a challenger with a 1-0 professional boxing record.
The event marks a significant departure from traditional boxing hubs, utilizing the historic Giza plateau as a backdrop for the main card, which begins at 6:00 PM BST. For fans in the United States, coverage starts at 1:00 PM ET or 10:00 AM PT. Ringwalks for the main event are expected to take place at approximately 10:48 PM BST (5:48 PM ET), though timing remains subject to the pace of the undercard results.
Oleksandr Usyk is the overwhelming favorite according to major bookmakers like Betway and FanDuel, with odds as wide as 1/33 for a victory. Rico Verhoeven, despite his legendary status in kickboxing, sits as a long-odds underdog at roughly 13-1. For the challenger, a historic upset would likely require a knockout, a result currently trading at +1400. This Usyk-Rico Egypt bout is deemed historic by many in the industry for its scale and unique location.
Full undercard and schedule for Glory in Giza
The “Glory in Giza” card features several high-stakes matches beyond the main event. A notable heavyweight collision sees Frank Sanchez face Richard Torrez Jr in an IBF title eliminator. This bout is critical for the divisional rankings, as both men look to secure a mandatory position for a future world title opportunity. Recently, Torrez Jr. anticipated the Sanchez bout would be a showcase of pure boxing skill before finding a finishing blow.
The undercard also highlights multiple vacant championship opportunities. Hamzah Sheeraz will fight Alem Begic for the vacant WBO super-middleweight title, while Jack Catterall meets Shakhram Giyasov for the vacant WBA Regular welterweight title. Additionally, Mizuki Hiruta defends her WBO women’s super-flyweight title against Mai Soliman.
The confirmed lineup for Saturday is as follows:
- Oleksandr Usyk vs Rico Verhoeven (Undisputed Heavyweight Championship)
- Hamzah Sheeraz vs Alem Begic (Vacant WBO Super-Middleweight Title)
- Jack Catterall vs Shakhram Giyasov (Vacant WBA Regular Welterweight Title)
- Mizuki Hiruta vs Mai Soliman (WBO Women’s Super-Flyweight Title)
- Frank Sanchez vs Richard Torrez Jr (Heavyweight IBF Eliminator)
- Basem Mamdouh vs Jamar Talley
- Mahmoud Mobark vs Michael Kalyalya
- Omar Hikal vs Ali Ssurunkuma
Global viewing options and DAZN streaming details
DAZN will broadcast the event exclusively on pay-per-view (PPV) worldwide. In the United Kingdom, the event is priced at £24.99, while US viewers can purchase the card for $59.99. DAZN has confirmed that viewers do not need an existing monthly subscription to buy the standalone PPV event. The broadcast app is accessible via Smart TVs, Fire TV, Roku, and mobile devices.
New customers are also being offered a 7-day free trial on the platform. For those looking to bundle events, DAZN is offering a combined price of $107.99 for Usyk vs Verhoeven paired with the Fury vs Hall card in certain markets. These packages are part of a broader strategy to streamline high-profile summer events for combat sports fans.
The local timing in Egypt puts the main event in the early hours of Sunday morning for local fans, with ringwalks at 12:48 AM EEST. This scheduling ensures the fight occurs during prime time for the UK and Europe. If the bout reaches the judges, Oleksandr Usyk is favored at +450 to win on points, reflecting his reputation as one of the most technical operators today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time does the Usyk vs Verhoeven fight start?
The main card for “Glory in Giza” begins at 6:00 PM BST (1:00 PM ET) on Saturday, May 23. The main event ringwalks for Oleksandr Usyk and Rico Verhoeven are scheduled for approximately 10:48 PM BST (5:48 PM ET), depending on the length of the preceding fights.
How can I watch the fight on DAZN?
The fight is available exclusively on DAZN PPV for £24.99 in the UK and $59.99 in the US. You do not need a subscription to buy the fight, and DAZN is offering a 7-day free trial to new customers who sign up for the platform during the event week.
What championships are on the line in the main event?
The match is for the undisputed heavyweight championship of the world. Specifically, Oleksandr Usyk is defending his WBC heavyweight title, but the WBC, WBA, IBF, and The Ring belts are all on the line during the 12-round contest at the Pyramids of Giza.
