Unified heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk is set to defend his WBC, WBA, IBF, and The Ring heavyweight titles against kickboxing legend Rico Verhoeven on Saturday, May 23, 2026. The high-profile encounter, titled “Glory in Giza,” will take place at the iconic Pyramids of Giza in Egypt. This voluntary defense marks a unique crossover event, pitting the undefeated Ukrainian technician against a combat sports icon who has dominated the heavyweight kickboxing ranks for over a decade. The production is a Saudi-backed collaboration involving the events company Sela and The Ring.
The 39-year-old Oleksandr Usyk enters the ring with an unblemished professional boxing record of 24-0 with 15 knockouts. He holds a 63% knockout percentage and remains a master of regional control and defensive movement. Standing at 6’3″ with a 78-inch reach, the southpaw champion faces a physically imposing challenger in Rico Verhoeven. The 37-year-old “King of Kickboxing” stands 6’5″ and possesses a marginal reach advantage at 78.5 inches. While Verhoeven is a novice in professional boxing with just one knockout win in a single appearance, his kickboxing pedigree includes 49 wins against eight losses and an active 22-fight winning streak.
The “Glory in Giza” event is expected to draw a massive global audience due to its historical backdrop and the cross-disciplinary nature of the main event. Experts have noted that Verhoeven intends to box post-Usyk, suggesting this isn’t merely a one-off performance but a concerted effort to establish himself in a new sport. For Usyk, the fight serves as another opportunity to cement his legacy before potential future clashes, as Usyk’s latest remarks fuel Fury feud speculation regarding a trilogy or undisputed rematch later this year.
Heavyweight championship ring walk times and global broadcast
Main card action is scheduled to begin at 8:00 PM EEST local time in Egypt. For international viewers, this corresponds to 1:00 PM ET in the United States and 6:00 PM BST in the United Kingdom. Fans can also access early prelims for free on YouTube starting at 11:00 AM ET. The main event ring walks for Usyk and Verhoeven are approximately scheduled for 12:48 AM EEST on Sunday, May 24, which is 10:48 PM BST on Saturday night in the UK and 5:48 PM ET in the US.
The logistical undertaking of hosting a world title fight at the Giza Necropolis is a joint effort backed by Saudi interests to expand the reach of major boxing events into historic North African sites. The evening heat is expected to be a factor, though the late local start time aims to provide better conditions for the athletes. Usyk’s stamina has rarely been questioned, but Verhoeven’s ability to adapt his kickboxing conditioning to the 12-round boxing format will be one of the night’s primary narratives.
Undercard features Hamzah Sheeraz and world title opportunities
The “Glory in Giza” support card is headlined by a significant super-middleweight clash between Hamzah Sheeraz and Alem Begic. This bout is for the vacant WBO super middleweight title. Hamzah Sheeraz enters with a record of 22-0-1, including 18 KOs, making him one of the most dangerous prospects in the division. His opponent, Alem Begic, holds an equally impressive record of 29-0-1 with 23 KOs, ensuring a high-stakes meeting between two undefeated power punchers.
In the welterweight division, Jack Catterall meets Shakhram Giyasov for the WBA (Regular) welterweight title. Catterall (32-2, 14 KOs) is looking to leverage his experience against the undefeated Giyasov (17-0, 10 KOs). Additionally, the card features a heavyweight bout between Frank Sanchez and Richard Torrez Jr. Analysts such as Torrez Jr. anticipates Sanchez bout will be a showcase of elite heavyweight skill as both men vie for a higher ranking within the division’s hierarchies.
Confirmed fight card for Glory in Giza
- Oleksandr Usyk vs. Rico Verhoeven: WBC, WBA, IBF, and The Ring Heavyweight Championships
- Hamzah Sheeraz vs. Alem Begic: WBO Super Middleweight Championship
- Jack Catterall vs. Shakhram Giyasov: WBA (Regular) Welterweight Championship
- Frank Sanchez vs. Richard Torrez Jr.: Heavyweight bout
The inclusion of multiple world titles across different weight classes has elevated this event from a mere crossover spectacle to a legitimate boxing milestone. While the eyes of the world are on the Giza sky, the technical battle in the ring will determine whether a kickboxing legend can disrupt the dominance of the reigning heavyweight king. Usyk remains the heavy favorite, but the sheer physical size of Verhoeven presents a unique puzzle for the southpaw champion.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is the Usyk vs Verhoeven fight taking place?
The fight is scheduled for Saturday, May 23, 2026, at the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt. The main event ring walks are expected at approximately 12:48 AM local time (EEST) on Sunday morning.
Which championship belts are at stake in the main event?
Oleksandr Usyk is defending his unified collection of titles, which includes the WBC, WBA, IBF, and the prestigious The Ring magazine heavyweight world championships.
What are the professional records of the main event fighters?
Oleksandr Usyk is undefeated in boxing with 24 wins, 0 losses, and 15 knockouts. Rico Verhoeven has a boxing record of 1-0 (1 KO), though he is a kickboxing hall-of-famer with a 49-8 record in that sport.
