Unified heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk defends his world titles against kickboxing star Rico Verhoeven today, May 23, 2026, in a high-stakes crossover match titled “Glory in Giza” at the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt. The bout features Oleksandr Usyk putting his WBC, WBA, and IBF heavyweight belts on the line against the former GLORY Heavyweight Champion, who enters with a stark weight advantage after tipping the scales 25 pounds heavier than the champion during Friday’s weigh-in.
The event finds the two dominant combat sports champions meeting in a unique boxing encounter at the Giza Necropolis. Oleksandr Usyk, boasting a perfect professional boxing record of 24-0 with 15 knockouts, is the heavy favorite. Rico Verhoeven, while a legend in the kickboxing world with 66 wins and 10 losses, has transitioned to professional boxing only once previously, securing a single knockout victory in his lone appearance.
According to Usyk-Verhoeven Giza bout details, the sanctioning bodies have taken different stances on this cross-discipline fight. The WBC has officially sanctioned the bout as a title defense and plans to enforce a mandatory challenger for the winner. However, the WBA and IBF did not sanction the match as a title defense for Rico Verhoeven due to his unranked status in boxing. Consequently, if Rico Verhoeven wins, the WBA and IBF titles will become vacant.
Heavyweight title implications at the Pyramids
The location of the fight adds a cinematic layer to a contest that many viewers view as a clash of styles. Oleksandr Usyk has built his career on technical mastery and movement, often defeating much larger opponents. He faces another physical test today against the Dutchman, whose kickboxing pedigree is built on world-class striking and durability. The Usyk vs Verhoeven Pyramids fight marks a rare occasion where a reigning unified boxing champion takes such a risk against a non-traditional boxing opponent.
Broadcasting for the event is handled exclusively by DAZN via Pay-Per-View and the DAZN Ultimate Tier. In the United States, the fight is priced at $59.99 for PPV. In the United Kingdom, fans can access the stream for £27.99, which includes a month of DAZN standard for free, or through a one-off PPV cost of £24.99. DAZN Ultimate subscribers in the UK can watch as part of their £24.99 monthly subscription.
Ringwalks for the main event are expected to take place at approximately 10:48 PM BST (5:48 PM ET). For local fans attending the event in Cairo, the fighters are scheduled to make their way to the ring at roughly 12:48 AM EEST on Sunday morning. The timing follows a lengthy undercard that begins in the late afternoon local time.
Complete Glory in Giza undercard and running order
The event features a comprehensive ten-fight card starting at 4:00 PM BST. The undercard includes a variety of matchups, including the heavyweight collision where Richard Torrez Jr and Frank Sanchez meet in a highly anticipated bout. The full running order and approximate UK start times are as follows:
- 10:48 PM: Oleksandr Usyk vs Rico Verhoeven (Main Event)
- 9:42 PM: Hamzah Sheeraz vs Alem Begic
- 8:39 PM: Jack Catterall vs Shakhram Giyasov
- 7:37 PM: Frank Sanchez vs Richard Torrez Jr
- 6:53 PM: Mizuki Hiruta vs Mai Soliman
- 6:00 PM: Daniel Lapin vs Benjamin Mendes Tani
- 5:30 PM: Basem Mamdouh vs Jamar Talley
- 5:00 PM: Sultan Almohammed vs Dedy Imprax
- 4:30 PM: Omar Hikal vs Ali Sserunkuma
- 4:00 PM: Mohamed Mabrouk Yehya vs Michael Kalyalya (Opening fight)
The undercard structure moves from regional prospects to high-level contenders as the evening progresses. Hamzah Sheeraz vs Alem Begic follows the super-lightweight clash between Jack Catterall and Shakhram Giyasov. Earlier in the evening, Mizuki Hiruta faces Mai Soliman in a female super flyweight contest, preceded by light heavyweight prospect Daniel Lapin taking on Benjamin Mendes Tani.
Viewing schedule and global access
DAZN has made the event available across its entire application ecosystem, which is compatible with smart TVs, tablets, gaming consoles, and mobile devices. US viewers also have the option of purchasing bundles that combine this fight with other upcoming major boxing events for a discounted price. The main card broadcast officially begins at 1:00 PM ET (6:00 PM BST).
As combat sports fans tune in from across the globe, the focus remains on whether Rico Verhoeven’s size and striking power can disrupt the rhythm of a master boxer like Oleksandr Usyk. With high stakes for the champion’s undefeated record and his collection of belts, the “Glory in Giza” event stands as one of the most unpredictable heavyweight fixtures of 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Usyk vs Verhoeven fight being held?
The “Glory in Giza” event is taking place at the Giza Necropolis, specifically at the site of the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt. This historic venue serves as the backdrop for the heavyweight boxing match between unified champion Oleksandr Usyk and kickboxing star Rico Verhoeven.
What titles are at stake in this boxing match?
Oleksandr Usyk is defending his WBC, WBA, and IBF heavyweight titles. While the WBC has sanctioned the fight as a world title defense for both combatants, the WBA and IBF have stated that their belts will become vacant if Rico Verhoeven wins, as they do not recognize him as a ranked boxing challenger.
How can I watch the Glory in Giza event live?
The fight is being broadcast live and exclusively on DAZN Pay-Per-View and the DAZN Ultimate Tier. Fans can access the stream via the DAZN app on smart TVs, mobile devices, and gaming consoles, or by visiting the official DAZN website on a laptop or PC.
