Oleksandr Usyk will defend his WBC heavyweight championship against Rico Verhoeven on Saturday, May 23, 2026, in an open-air event titled “Glory in Giza” at the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt. The Saudi-backed production, organized by Sela and The Ring, features Usyk putting his WBC and IBF belts on the line. However, the WBA has clarified a unique set of stakes for this crossover match: while the bout counts as a successful defense of the WBA (Super) heavyweight title for Usyk if he wins, the WBA title is not at stake for Verhoeven.
If the Dutch challenger pulls off an upset, he would only claim the WBC crown, leaving the WBA and IBF titles vacant.
The champion enters this historic setting following a successful run that saw him go 6-0 against elite opposition including Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua, and Daniel Dubois over the last five years. Turki Alalshikh has been working with the undefeated Ukrainian on his recent fights, helping facilitate high-profile bouts that have defined the current heavyweight era. For Verhoeven, this represents a massive transition after ruling the kickboxing world for over 11 years as the GLORY Heavyweight Champion.
com/oleksandr-usyk-vs-rico-verhoeven-glory-in-giza-details/”>Usyk-Rico Egypt bout in a traditional boxing ring.
The “Glory in Giza” card marks Usyk’s seventh consecutive world title fight, part of a final career phase where he plans to fight just three more times before retiring. Verhoeven, whose only previous professional boxing match took place back in 2014, is stepping into the deep end against a technician with a 24-0 professional record. com/eddie-hearn-usyk-rico-verhoeven-egypt-historic-moment/”>Usyk-Rico Egypt bout is historic due to its unique location and the clash of disciplines.
The Dutch challenger has publicly stated that taking a fight at the Pyramids proves there are no boundaries in combat sports today.
Detailed fight card and schedule for Glory in Giza
The event features a stacked undercard beginning in the afternoon, with major world titles on the line before the main event begins under the Egyptian night sky. Fans in the UK can tune in starting from 4:00 PM BST, while those in the United States will see the main card kick off at 1:00 PM ET. The full confirmed lineup and approximate ringwalk times are as follows:
- Oleksandr Usyk vs. Rico Verhoeven: Heavyweight (for WBA and WBC titles*) (10:48 PM BST)
- Hamzah Sheeraz vs. Alem Begic: Super-middleweight (vacant WBO title) (9:42 PM BST)
- Jack Catterall vs. Shakhram Giyasov: Welterweight (vacant WBA title) (8:39 PM BST)
- Frank Sanchez vs. Richard Torrez Jr.: Heavyweight (7:37 PM BST)
- Mizuki Hiruta vs. Mai Soliman: Super-flyweight (6:53 PM BST)
- Daniel Lapin vs. Benjamin Mendes Tani: Light-heavyweight (6:00 PM BST)
- Basem Mamdouh vs. Jamar Talley: (5:30 PM BST)
- Sultan Almohammed vs. Dedy Imprax: (5:00 PM BST)
- Omar Hikal vs. Ali Sserunkuma: (4:30 PM BST)
- Mohamed Mabrouk Yehya vs. Michael Kalyalya: (4:00 PM BST)
*Note: Verhoeven is only eligible to win the WBC title; Usyk defends the WBA (Super) title.
Championship implications in the heavyweight and welterweight divisions
Expectations are high for the heavyweight clash between Sanchez and Torrez Jr., which sits comfortably as a top attraction on the undercard. As Torrez Jr. anticipates the Sanchez bout, he looks to maintain his upward trajectory against a Cuban standout who represents his toughest professional test to date. This bout serves as a vital bridge between prospect status and the elite heavyweight title conversation.
The welterweight division remains a point of focus as Catterall and Giyasov compete for the vacant WBA strap. This opportunity comes after divisional shifts left the belt open, providing Jack Catterall another chance at world honors following past frustrations. Shakhram Giyasov brings his own championship ambitions to Cairo, ensuring the middle of the card remains as competitive as the main event.
Global broadcasting and DAZN PPV price points
The entire “Glory in Giza” event will be broadcast worldwide via DAZN, serving as the exclusive carrier for the heavyweight spectacle. In a shift from standard major UK fights, the event will not appear on Sky Sports or TNT, making the DAZN app the only destination for live coverage. Subscribers can access the stream through smart TVs, tablets, gaming consoles, or via the Prime Video channel for Amazon customers.
Pricing for the Pay-Per-View is set at £24.99 in the UK for a one-off purchase. Alternatively, viewers can access the fight by signing up for the DAZN Ultimate Tier at £22.99 per month on a 12-month contract. In the United States, the PPV is priced at $59.99, though fans can bundle the event with Zayas vs. Boots or Fury vs. Hall for a total price of $107.99 or $120.99 depending on the chosen match.
Main card ringwalks for Usyk and Verhoeven are scheduled for approximately 10:48 PM BST (5:48 PM ET). With the event taking place outdoors at the Giza Necropolis, the atmosphere promises to be unlike any other in boxing history. The production management falls under the events company Sela, ensuring that the ambitious desert setting meets international broadcasting standards.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which belts are on the line in the Usyk vs. Verhoeven fight?
Oleksandr Usyk is defending his WBC, WBA (Super), and IBF heavyweight titles. However, separate governing body rules apply: Rico Verhoeven can only win the WBC title. If Verhoeven wins, the WBA and IBF titles will become vacant, whereas an Usyk victory counts as a defense of all three major belts.
What time is the main event ringwalk for UK viewers?
The main event ringwalks for the heavyweight clash are expected at approximately 10:48 PM BST on Saturday, May 23, 2026. This timing may shift slightly depending on the duration of the undercard fights, including the title bouts featuring Hamzah Sheeraz and Jack Catterall.
Is the Usher vs. Verhoeven fight available on Sky Sports?
No, the fight will not be broadcast on Sky Sports or TNT Sports. The “Glory in Giza” event is exclusive to the DAZN platform. Viewers must purchase the DAZN Pay-Per-View or have an active DAZN Ultimate Tier subscription to watch the card live.
