Unified heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk is scheduled to defend his WBC and WBA (Super) belts against Dutch kickboxing heavyweight Rico Verhoeven on Saturday, May 23, 2026. The professional boxing match will take place at the historic Pyramids of Giza in Egypt, marking a rare crossover event between a reigning boxing king and a dominant force from the kickboxing world. While the bout is sanctioned for the WBC heavyweight title, the complex status of Usyk’s multiple belts means a potential upset would have varied consequences across the division’s governing bodies.
The 39-year-old Ukrainian southpaw, Oleksandr Usyk, enters the ring with an unblemished record of 24-0 and 15 knockouts. Since moving to the heavyweight class, he has secured two victories each over Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury, and Daniel Dubois. His most recent appearance saw him stop Dubois in the fifth round in July 2025. This upcoming clash serves as a voluntary defense of his WBC title, granted by the sanctioning body before he must face his mandatory challenger.
Rico Verhoeven, 37, transitions to the boxing ring following a legendary career in Glory kickboxing, where he held the heavyweight title for over 11 years. The Dutchman vacated his Glory championship after a 26-fight winning streak, having last competed in a tournament victory in March 2024. Despite his deep combat sports background, Verhoeven holds just one professional boxing win. He has spent his preparation period training under Peter Fury to refine his skills for what many consider a daunting challenge against one of the most dangerous boxers in the world.
Heavyweight title implications and the IBF exception
The stakes for this encounter differ for each fighter depending on the sanctioning body involved. While the WBC has cleared the path for this voluntary defense, the International Boxing Federation (IBF) has issued a specific conditional exception. According to an IBF statement from April 16, 2026, the organization will declare their heavyweight title vacant immediately if Oleksandr Usyk suffers a defeat. If he wins, he is required to face his IBF mandatory challenger within 180 days.
This conditional status has already sparked movement among other contenders. Kalle Sauerland is reportedly lobbying for Derek Chisora to fight for the IBF belt should it become vacant, following Chisora’s eliminator win over Otto Wallin. Meanwhile, the WBA has clarified that the WBA (Super) title is not at stake for Rico Verhoeven. An Usyk loss could lead to him being named “Champion in Recess,” potentially allowing Murat Gassiev to be elevated to the Super champion position. The WBO title is not involved as Usyk relinquished it last October, leading to Fabio Wardley being elevated to full champion.
Broadcasting details and pay-per-view bundle options
International fans can view the event exclusively on DAZN pay-per-view (PPV). The broadcast for the main card begins at 6:00 PM BST, with main event ring walks scheduled for approximately 10:00 PM BST. The PPV is priced at £24.99 for viewers in the United Kingdom and $59.99 for those in the United States. A standard DAZN subscription is not required to purchase the fight separately, though it is included for those on the DAZN Ultimate Tier.
Promoters have introduced several bundle options to encourage multi-event purchases. Fans have the option to buy the Usyk vs. Verhoeven fight alongside Wardley vs. Dubois, Fury vs. Hall, or a US-exclusive Zayas vs. Boots pairing. These bundles are priced at £44.99 in the UK or $107.99 in the US. This tiered pricing model arrives as the industry continues to adjust following the fallout of previous business disruptions and shifts in global sports management.
Expert analysis on the Giza showdown
Combat sports veterans have questioned whether Rico Verhoeven can bridge the technical gap in a pure boxing environment. Liam Harrison, a Muay Thai and kickboxing legend, noted that Verhoeven’s lack of leg kicks removes his most effective weapon. Harrison suggested that if established heavyweights like Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua could not “put a dent” in the Ukrainian champion, it is unlikely a kickboxer with limited boxing experience will do so in their place.
Oleksandr Usyk has prepared for this defense in Gandia, Spain, focusing on the movement and precision that made him the first male three-time undisputed champion of the four-belt era. Verhoeven’s size and conditioning remain his primary advantages, but he faces a champion who has systematically neutralized larger opponents throughout his career. If an upset occurs at the Pyramids, it would represent one of the most unexpected shifts in heavyweight history.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Rico Verhoeven eligible to win all of Usyk’s titles?
No, Verhoeven is only fighting for the WBC heavyweight title. While Oleksandr Usyk is also defending his WBA (Super) title, the WBA has confirmed this belt is not at stake for the Dutchman. Additionally, the IBF title would become vacant immediately if Usyk loses rather than being awarded to Verhoeven.
What time do the ring walks for Usyk vs. Verhoeven start?
The main event ring walks are expected to take place at approximately 10:00 PM BST on Saturday, May 23. For viewers in other time zones, this translates to 5:00 PM ET or 2:00 PM PT. The main card itself begins earlier in the day at 6:00 PM BST.
Do I need a DAZN subscription to watch the fight?
You do not need an active DAZN subscription to purchase the Usyk vs. Verhoeven PPV as a standalone event. However, for those who already have a DAZN Ultimate Tier subscription, the fight is included at no extra cost as part of their monthly plan.
