Oleksandr Usyk will defend his WBC heavyweight title against former kickboxing champion Rico Verhoeven on Saturday, May 23, 2026, in a unique crossover clash at the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt. The 12-round contest, headlined as “Glory in Giza,” sees the 39-year-old undisputed king of the division take on a 37-year-old combat sports icon who dominated the GLORY heavyweight ranks for over a decade. While Oleksandr Usyk remains a massive betting favorite, the spectacle marks one of the most daring ventures into international event hosting for the sport of boxing.
The bout offers a high-stakes risk for the champion. While Oleksandr Usyk holds the WBC, WBA, and Ring Magazine titles, the IBF has indicated its belt will become vacant should he suffer an upset loss to the kickboxing specialist. Rico Verhoeven enters the ring with a massive physical presence and an 11-year unbeaten streak in kickboxing, though he has only competed in one professional boxing match prior to this weekend. The open-air venue at the Giza plateau provides a historic backdrop for a fight that has captured global curiosity.
This event follows months of speculation regarding the champion’s next move after his double victories over Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua. Industry experts believe the Usyk-Rico Egypt bout is a historic moment for the region’s sports profile. For the challenger, the leap into the boxing ring represents a career-defining gamble in a discipline where he cannot utilize the leg kicks and knee strikes that made him a legend in GLORY.
Event start times and ring walk details
The main card for the Giza event is scheduled to begin at 7:00 PM local time in Egypt. For viewers in the United Kingdom, the broadcast starts at 6:00 PM BST, while fans in the United States can tune in starting at 1:00 PM ET or 10:00 AM PT. Given the nature of international heavyweight broadcasts, these times are subject to the pace of the undercard fights, though organizers aim for a precise schedule for the global pay-per-view audience.
Ring walks for the main event between Oleksandr Usyk and Rico Verhoeven are expected no earlier than 10:30 PM local time (10:00 PM BST / 5:00 PM ET). The fight itself is likely to commence around 11:00 PM in Egypt. Fans can stream the event globally via the DAZN pay-per-view platform. The purchase price has been set at £24.99 in the UK and $59.99 in the US, with no existing subscription required to buy the individual card.
Official undercard and championship bouts
The “Glory in Giza” undercard features several significant matchups, including a secondary world title fight and high-stakes heavyweight pairings. The confirmed lineup of bouts is as follows:
- Oleksandr Usyk vs Rico Verhoeven: WBC heavyweight title
- Hamzah Sheeraz vs Alem Begic: Vacant WBO super-middleweight title
- Jack Catterall vs Shakhram Giyasov: Welterweight contest
- Frank Sanchez vs Richard Torrez Jr: Heavyweight contest
- Mizuki Hiruta vs Mai Solman: WBO super-flyweight title
- Basem Mamdouh vs Jamar Talley: Cruiserweight contest
- Mahmoud Mobark vs Michael Kalyalya: Middleweight contest
- Daniel Lapin vs Benjamin Mendes Tani: Light heavyweight contest
The co-main event features a highly anticipated clash where Giyasov and Catterall contest a significant position in the welterweight rankings. Another standout is the heavyweight clash between Richard Torrez Jr and Frank Sanchez. Earlier this month, Richard Torrez Jr anticipated the Sanchez bout would be a perfect opportunity to demonstrate his pure boxing fundamentals against a high-level Cuban technician.
Betting odds and expert predictions
The betting markets heavily favor the champion, reflecting the difficulty of transitioning from kickboxing to elite boxing. Oleksandr Usyk is currently priced as short as 1/33 with some UK bookmakers, or -1800 at US sportsbooks. Conversely, Rico Verhoeven sits as a 14/1 underdog. Despite the wide odds, betting trends from the past week show that roughly 50% of the individual bets placed have been on the underdog, suggesting a segment of the public is banking on a physical upset.
Most analysts expect the champion’s lateral movement and high ring IQ to neutralize the kickboxer’s size advantage. The consensus prediction suggests a mid-to-late round stoppage as Rico Verhoeven fatigues under the constant pressure of Usyk’s jab and footwork. Specifically, some markets offer attractive odds for an Oleksandr Usyk victory within rounds four through six, though a professional boxing veteran of his caliber may choose to prolong the contest to find a definitive opening in the championship rounds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Usyk vs Verhoeven fight taking place?
The fight is being held at the Pyramids of Giza near Cairo, Egypt. This open-air venue is part of a special “Glory in Giza” event designed to showcase international heavyweight talent in a historic cultural setting.
Which titles are at stake in the main event?
Oleksandr Usyk is defending his WBC heavyweight title. While he also holds the WBA and Ring Magazine belts, the IBF title is set to be vacated if he loses, making this a pivotal fight for the future of the undisputed heavyweight status.
How can I watch the fight on TV or online?
The entire card is being broadcast globally by DAZN via pay-per-view. In the UK, the event costs £24.99, while US viewers will pay $59.99. A standard DAZN monthly subscription is not required to purchase the pay-per-view event.
