Unified Heavyweight Champion Oleksandr Usyk returns to the ring to defend his WBC Heavyweight Title against kickboxing icon Rico Verhoeven on Saturday, May 23, 2026. The bout serves as the main event for “Glory in Giza,” a historic cards taking place at the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt. This occasion marks the first professional boxing event ever held at the ancient landmark. Organized by Matchroom and The Ring magazine as part of Riyadh Season, the matchup is a crossover clash between two dominant champions from different combat disciplines.
The stakes for the evening are specific to the WBC strap currently held by Oleksandr Usyk. While the Ukrainian also holds the IBF and WBA (Super) Heavyweight titles, those championships will remain with Usyk if he wins and are not at stake for Rico Verhoeven. Usyk, 39, enters the contest following a comprehensive fifth-round knockout of Daniel Dubois in July 2025. That victory saw him reclaim the undisputed heavyweight championship. This event will be the first time Usyk has fought in North Africa, adding a new territory to a career that already includes a unified division legacy.
Rico Verhoeven, 37, brings a massive physical presence but limited boxing experience to the desert sands. Though he is legendary for having held the Glory Kickboxing heavyweight title for over 4,200 days — more than 11 consecutive years — his professional boxing resume consists of a single second-round knockout win over Janos Finfera in 2014. Facing a boxer who has twice defeated Tyson Fury represents a steep climb for the Dutchman. Usyk has indicated he plans to fight just two or three more times after this meeting before entering retirement.
Championship triple-headers and undercard depth in Giza
The “Glory in Giza” undercard features high-stakes matchups across multiple weight classes. In the co-main event, Hamzah Sheeraz faces Alem Begic with the vacant WBO Super Middleweight Title on the line. International gold will also be contested at welterweight, where Shakhram Giyasov meets Jack Catterall for the WBA Welterweight Title (regular). This 147-pound clash adds significant depth to a card that spans eight scheduled fights, ranging from regional title bouts to world-level crossovers.
Heavyweight interest continues with Frank Sanchez taking on Richard Torrez Jr. in a high-stakes encounter. The WBC Americas and WBO NABO titles are on the line for Sanchez in a match that also doubles as an IBF heavyweight title eliminator. Additionally, the women’s circuit is represented by Mizuki Hirota, who defends her Ring and WBO Superfly 115-pound belts against Mai Suleiman. These matchups provide a bridge between local prospects and established world champions on the global stage.
Broadcast logistics and viewing information for global fans
The event will be broadcast live worldwide on DAZN Pay-Per-View (PPV) and the DAZN Ultimate Tier. For viewers in the United States, the PPV is priced at a one-off cost of $59.99. UK fans can access the broadcast for £24.99. DAZN is also offering bundle options for those wishing to purchase multiple major fight cards. US fans can pair the Usyk-Verhoeven fight with either the Fury vs. Hall or Zayas vs. Boots cards for a combined price of $107.99 to $120.99.
The open-air event in Giza is scheduled to begin at 8:00 PM local time (EEST), which translates to 1:00 PM ET and 6:00 PM BST. Main event ringwalks are expected to occur at approximately 12:48 AM EEST on Sunday morning. This timing ensures a prime-time slot for European audiences and an afternoon viewing for fans in North America. Tickets for the historic event are currently available through the official Tazkarti platform as the sport prepares for its Giza debut.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are all of Usyk’s heavyweight titles on the line against Verhoeven?
No, only the WBC Heavyweight Title is being defended by Oleksandr Usyk in this match. While he also holds the IBF and WBA (Super) titles, the research states these will remain with Usyk if he wins and are not at stake for Rico Verhoeven in this specific contest.
Where is the Glory in Giza boxing event being held?
The event is being held at the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt. This is a historic milestone for the sport, as it represents the first time a professional boxing event has been staged at this ancient Egyptian landmark.
What is Rico Verhoeven’s professional boxing history?
Rico Verhoeven holds a professional boxing record of 1-0 with 1 KO. His senior experience in combat sports primarily comes from kickboxing, where he held the Glory Kickboxing heavyweight title for more than 11 years before making this crossover return to the boxing ring.
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