Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn has labeled this Saturday’s heavyweight clash between Oleksandr Usyk and Rico Verhoeven a “historic moment” for the sport. The event, titled “Glory in Giza,” will take place on May 23, 2026, directly at the foot of the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt. This marks the first time a professional boxing card has ever been staged at the ancient landmark, representing an unprecedented logistical feat for the organizers.
Speaking from Cairo, Eddie Hearn admitted that the production is one of the most demanding operations his team has ever handled. He emphasized that the vision of His Excellency Turki Alalshikh and the Matchroom staff has required a monumental effort to materialize. The promoter noted that work on the open-air venue will likely “go right to the wire” to ensure everything is ready for the global broadcast on DAZN.
The main event features Oleksandr Usyk, the unified heavyweight champion, defending his WBC heavyweight title against Dutch kickboxing legend Rico Verhoeven. Usyk, who holds a perfect 24-0 record, is coming off a massive run of victories over Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua. His opponent, Verhoeven, has dominated the heavyweight kickboxing scene for over 11 years but enters this bout with only one professional boxing match under his belt.
Logistical strain of the Pyramids of Giza production
Building a world-class arena in a protected desert site has presented unique hurdles for the production crew. Eddie Hearn described the setup as “something special” while acknowledging the operational difficulty of staging such a show. The event is a joint venture between Matchroom Boxing, Turki Alalshikh, and Ring Magazine, aimed at creating a visual spectacle unlike any seen in combat sports history.
The technical requirements for the broadcast are extensive, as the team must facilitate a live feed from the desert to a global audience. For viewers at home, the Usyk vs Rico broadcast schedule confirms that the main card will begin at 8:00 PM local Egypt time (EEST). Ringwalks for the main event are expected at approximately 12:48 AM local time on Sunday morning.
This “Glory in Giza” show is being framed as a one-of-a-kind event that may never be repeated. Eddie Hearn suggested that the sheer difficulty of the operation makes it a localized miracle of sports management. “I don’t think we’ve ever seen anything like this before. And we won’t see anything like this again,” Hearn told Seconds Out during his morning arrival in the Egyptian capital.
Heavyweight championship stakes and confirmed undercard
Oleksandr Usyk enters the ring as a heavy betting favorite with odds sitting at 1/18 to win. At 39 years old, the Ukrainian southpaw is defending not only his WBC belt but also his Ring Magazine heavyweight title. Usyk’s recent form includes a knockout victory over Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium in July 2025 and a points win over Tyson Fury in Saudi Arabia late in 2024.
Rico Verhoeven represents a physical powerhouse standing at 6ft 5in and weighing nearly 250 pounds. Though widely considered an underdog at 8/1, his reach and experience in championship kickboxing make him a wild card in this crossover encounter. The fight is scheduled for 12 rounds in the heavyweight division, providing Verhoeven with his most significant platform since transitioning from the kickboxing ring.
The undercard provides strong support for the main event with two high-profile contests. Jack Catterall will face Shakhram Giyasov in a major match-up, while Hamzah Sheeraz takes on Alem Begic for the vacant WBO super middleweight title. These bouts ensure the evening maintains a balance between the crossover appeal of the main event and traditional championship boxing contests.
Viewing details and global broadcast times
Fans wishing to see the event can access the live stream exclusively through DAZN Pay-Per-View. In the United Kingdom, the event is priced at £24.99, which also includes access to the DAZN Ultimate Tier. Preliminary bouts will be available for free via Ring Magazine’s social media platforms starting at 6:00 PM local time, two hours before the main card begins.
The global interest in the event remains high, particularly given Usyk’s status as a pound-for-pound leader. Many in the boxing community are eager to see if he can maintain his clinical precision against a much larger opponent in such an atmospheric setting. As the ring continues to take shape against the silhouette of the Great Pyramid, the sport prepares for one of its most visually arresting chapters.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time will the main event ringwalks take place?
The ringwalks for Oleksandr Usyk vs. Rico Verhoeven are approximately scheduled for 12:48 AM EEST (Egypt Standard Time) on Sunday, May 24. For international viewers, this corresponds to 10:48 PM BST in the UK and 5:48 PM ET in the United States on Saturday, May 23.
Which boxing titles are on the line in Giza?
Oleksandr Usyk is defending his WBC World Heavyweight Championship and his Ring Magazine heavyweight title. While he vacated the WBO title in 2025, some reports indicate the WBA and IBF versions of the unified crown are also at stake for the Ukrainian champion in this contest.
Which fights are confirmed for the Glory in Giza undercard?
The confirmed undercard features Jack Catterall against Shakhram Giyasov. Additionally, Hamzah Sheeraz will face Alem Begic with the vacant WBO super middleweight title on the line. Preliminary fights will start earlier in the day and be broadcast on Ring Magazine’s social media channels.
