Usyk vs Verhoeven: Boxing vs Kickboxing in 'Glory in Giza'
Oleksandr Usyk defends WBC heavyweight title against Rico Verhoeven in unique boxing match at Egypt's Pyramids of Giza on May 23rd.
“I don't feel like it's a real, genuine challenge nor someone that deserves the shot...”
Oleksandr Usyk, the Ukrainian three-time undisputed champion, will defend his WBC heavyweight title against Dutch kickboxer Rico Verhoeven on May 23rd at Egypt's Pyramids of Giza. Usyk currently holds the IBF, WBA, and WBC titles after vacating the WBO belt.
This unique matchup, dubbed “Glory in Giza,” will be streamed live on DAZN. Verhoeven, known as the “King of Kickboxing,” brings his impressive kickboxing record of 66-10 to the ring, although he has only one professional boxing match to his name, a 2014 knockout win.
Usyk expressed respect for Verhoeven's achievements, saying, “I truly respect people who reach the very top in their sport. Rico is one of them - a powerful athlete and a great champion.” Verhoeven echoed this sentiment, stating, “Usyk is the undisputed in boxing. That's the kind of challenge that motivated me. Undisputed versus undisputed.”
The 39-year-old hasn't stepped into the ring since defeating Britain's Daniel Dubois at London's Wembley Stadium last July.
“I respect his (Verhoeven's) journey - he's truly the 'King of Kickboxing'. But this is boxing - a different game, with its own rules and its own kings,” said Usyk, who has a 24-0 record.
“I'm ready and looking forward to meeting him in the ring. It's going to be a unique experience for both of us, and I know the fans are excited too. A big night is coming.
The 'Glory in Giza' fight will stream live on DAZN.
“I spent 12 years as the undisputed heavyweight kickboxing champion and accomplished everything I set out to accomplish,” Verhoeven, 36, told The Ring.
“But staying at the top for that long didn't take away from the hunger, it strengthened it. Usyk is the undisputed in boxing. That's the kind of challenge that motivated me. Undisputed versus undisputed.”
Rico Verhoeven, the Dutch kickboxing legend, has a notable background. He sparred with former champion Tyson Fury and had one professional boxing match in 2014, which he won by knockout. Verhoeven recently announced his departure from kickboxing after an impressive 76-fight career, with 66 wins to his name.
Rico Verhoeven is an absolute UNIT 💪
— Ring Magazine (@ringmagazine) February 27, 2026
The former kickboxer will challenge Oleksandr Usyk for his WBC heavyweight title 💥
Glory in Giza | May 23rd | Live on DAZN 🥊 pic.twitter.com/zMnZEOMIzW
Tyson Fury, who's gearing up for his April comeback, and Anthony Joshua have also danced with 'crossover' fights, taking on UFC heavyweight champ Francis Ngannou.
Meanwhile, WBO champion Fabio Wardley, who's set to defend his title against Daniel Dubois on May 9 in Manchester, is disappointed by the news. Wardley got the WBO belt after Usyk vacated it.
🚨 BLOCKBUSTER IN THE MAKING 🚨
— DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) February 27, 2026
JUST ANNOUNCED: Oleksandr Usyk will face Rico Verhoeven for the WBC Heavyweight Championship of the World.#UsykVerhoeven | May 23 | Live Exclusively on DAZN | @RingMagazine pic.twitter.com/g9hCg8kVhq
“I don't feel like it's a real, genuine challenge nor someone that deserves the shot,” the Briton told Sky Sports television.
“But I do understand or do concede Usyk is at a point in his career ... where he's able to do what he wants for a bit in that sense. He's earned the position to ... take an easy fight.”
No comments:
Leave comment here