Oleksandr Usyk to Defend Heavyweight Crown Against Rico Verhoeven at the Pyramids of Giza
The desert skyline of Egypt is set to frame one of the most unusual championship bouts in modern boxing history.
Oleksandr Usyk will defend his WBC heavyweight title against kickboxing icon Rico Verhoeven on May 23 at the historic Pyramids of Giza, according to an announcement by The Ring on Friday.
The setting alone guarantees global attention. But beyond the spectacle lies a compelling sporting clash: boxing’s undefeated champion against a dominant force from the world of kickboxing stepping into unfamiliar territory.
Usyk’s Reign at the Top
Usyk has not fought since July 2025, when he delivered a commanding fifth-round knockout of Daniel Dubois to retain his WBA, WBC, WBO, IBO and The Ring heavyweight titles, while also reclaiming the IBF belt. That victory extended his unblemished professional record to 24-0.
Over the past four years, the Ukrainian southpaw has solidified his place among the sport’s modern greats. He defeated Tyson Fury twice in high-profile championship encounters, outmaneuvered Anthony Joshua across two tactical battles, and overpowered Dubois in their rematch. Each performance reinforced his reputation as a technician with the agility of a cruiserweight and the resilience of a natural heavyweight.
For Usyk, the Verhoeven bout represents both a title defense and a calculated risk. While Verhoeven lacks extensive boxing experience, his size, athleticism and championship pedigree introduce a layer of unpredictability.
“I truly respect people who reach the very top in their sport,” Usyk told The Ring. “Rico is one of them — a powerful athlete and a great champion. Being a champion isn’t just about belts.”
Verhoeven’s Leap Into Boxing
Verhoeven’s résumé in kickboxing is formidable. The former GLORY heavyweight champion dominated the division for over a decade, building a 22-fight winning streak and defending his title repeatedly against elite challengers. His reign, marked by tactical discipline and physical dominance, established him as one of the most recognizable figures in combat sports outside traditional boxing.
He last competed in June 2025, successfully defending his title against Artem Vakhitov before parting ways with GLORY. Discussions followed regarding a potential crossover into mixed martial arts, including reported talks about facing Derrick Lewis at UFC 324. Ultimately, Verhoeven opted against signing with the MMA promotion, choosing instead to pursue boxing.
His professional boxing record is limited to a single bout — a second-round knockout victory in Germany in 2014. Since then, his focus remained squarely on kickboxing. Now, more than a decade later, he returns to the boxing ring for the sport’s highest prize.
“Being a kickboxing champion for that long didn’t take away the hunger,” Verhoeven said. “Usyk is the undisputed in boxing. That’s the kind of challenge that motivated me. Undisputed versus undisputed.”
A Clash of Disciplines
Cross-sport fights are nothing new in combat sports, but few have involved reigning champions at the peak of their powers. While boxing purists may question the competitive balance, the intrigue lies in whether Verhoeven’s striking instincts, size and championship experience can translate under boxing rules.
The technical gulf between elite-level boxing and kickboxing is historically significant. Foot positioning, defensive movement and punch selection differ substantially. Usyk’s ring IQ — sharpened through years of high-level championship bouts — will likely test Verhoeven’s adaptability from the opening bell.
Yet Verhoeven is not a novelty act. Standing at 6-foot-5 with proven endurance and composure under pressure, he enters as a seasoned champion accustomed to performing under bright lights. His path, however, requires adjustment to boxing’s narrower skill set, where even small tactical errors can be decisive.
The Stage: Boxing Meets History
Hosting the bout at the Pyramids of Giza adds a layer of grandeur rarely seen in modern prizefighting. Saudi Arabia’s recent investments in marquee boxing events have already shifted the sport’s geography, but Egypt’s iconic monument offers something distinct: a blend of ancient history and contemporary spectacle.
The location echoes boxing’s growing appetite for global events staged in unconventional settings — from desert arenas to purpose-built stadiums in emerging markets. For promoters, it represents both symbolism and commercial ambition.
For the fighters, it offers a backdrop few champions can claim in their careers.
What Is at Stake
For Usyk, victory would reinforce his dominance and potentially set up further legacy-defining bouts. At 24-0, he has already cleared much of the division’s established elite. A decisive win over a crossover star could strengthen his global brand while preserving his championship reign.
For Verhoeven, the opportunity is transformational. A competitive showing — let alone an upset — would instantly rewrite perceptions about cross-discipline transitions. A victory would rank among the most surprising outcomes in heavyweight history.
The narrative writes itself: an undefeated boxing champion versus an undefeated kickboxing king of the past decade.
Whether it becomes a competitive contest or a masterclass in boxing fundamentals will be revealed under the Egyptian night sky.
What is certain is this: on May 23, beneath the shadow of the pyramids, two champions from different worlds will meet for one of the most visually striking title fights the sport has staged in years.
