Unified Heavyweight Champion Oleksandr Usyk (24-0, 15 KOs) is set to defend his WBC, WBA (Super), and IBF World Heavyweight titles against kickboxing legend Rico Verhoeven on Saturday, May 23, 2026. The high-profile event, branded “Glory in Giza,” will take place at the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt. While Oleksandr Usyk also puts his The Ring Heavyweight title on the line, the World Boxing Association (WBA) has clarified a unique sanctioning detail for the main event. The WBA stated that if the champion wins, the bout will count as a successful defense of his WBA (Super) title, but the belt will not be at stake for Rico Verhoeven, who holds a 1-0 professional boxing record alongside his 49-8 kickboxing resume.
The “Glory in Giza” production is a Saudi-backed collaboration involving the events company Sela and The Ring. Turki Alalshikh has been instrumental in organizing the champion’s recent schedule, ensuring this unconventional crossover reaches a global audience. For the challenger, this represents a monumental leap in competition. Rico Verhoeven has dominated the heavyweight kickboxing circuit for a decade, but he now enters a ring against a technician who has already unified two weight classes in professional boxing.
DAZN will broadcast the full card worldwide via Pay-Per-View (PPV), with the main event ringwalks scheduled for approximately 10:48 PM BST (UK) or 12:48 AM EEST (Egypt) on Sunday morning. For fans in the United States, ringwalks are expected at roughly 5:48 PM ET. While Usyk’s next bout at Giza is the primary draw, the pricing structure includes bundle options for upcoming cards like Fury vs. Hall in June to entice multi-fight buyers.
Title implications and WBA sanctioning rules
The status of the hardware is a central talking point heading into the weekend. Oleksandr Usyk currently holds the WBC, WBA (Super), IBF, and The Ring heavyweight titles, all of which he is technically putting up for grabs in this defense. However, the WBA’s specific ruling ensures that even if a monumental upset occurs, the WBA (Super) strap would technically become vacant or remain with the champion rather than transferring to the unranked Rico Verhoeven. This decision highlights the bridging of worlds between traditional boxing rankings and crossover spectacles.
Betting markets naturally favor the champion’s technical mastery. Those tracking the Usyk vs Verhoeven updates will note that the champion’s mobility and southpaw stance often baffle larger, more cumbersome power hitters. Rico Verhoeven must find a way to apply his world-class clinch work and physical strength within the strict confines of boxing rules if he hopes to disrupt the champion’s rhythm over twelve rounds.
Deep undercard highlights at the Pyramids
Beyond the main event, the card features several high-stakes matches. Hamzah Sheeraz takes on Alem Begic for the vacant WBO super-middleweight title, while Jack Catterall faces Shakhram Giyasov for the WBA (Regular) welterweight title. Additionally, Richard Torrez Jr. anticipates the Sanchez bout will be a showcase of pure heavyweight skill as he faces the defensive specialist Frank Sanchez.
The lower half of the card provides a platform for local and emerging talent. Basem Mamdouh and Jamar Talley are scheduled to clash in a contest that adds further international flavor to the Egyptian event. Mahmoud Mobark will meet Michael Kalyalya, and Omar Hikal is set to face Ali Sserunkuma. These bouts ensure a full day of action leading up to the historic heavyweight main event.
Full Glory in Giza confirmed fight card
The official lineup for Saturday, May 23, includes nine confirmed bouts. The schedule transition from afternoon to evening in Egypt will see the following fighters take to the ring:
- Oleksandr Usyk vs. Rico Verhoeven: Heavyweight (WBA, WBC, IBF, and The Ring titles)
- Hamzah Sheeraz vs. Alem Begic: Super-middleweight (Vacant WBO title)
- Jack Catterall vs. Shakhram Giyasov: Welterweight (WBA Regular title)
- Frank Sanchez vs. Richard Torrez Jr.: Heavyweight
- Mizuki Hiruta vs. Mai Soliman: Super-flyweight (WBO title)
- Daniel Lapin vs. Benjamin Mendes Tani: Light-heavyweight
- Basem Mamdouh vs. Jamar Talley
- Mahmoud Mobark vs. Michael Kalyalya
- Omar Hikal vs. Ali Sserunkuma
The event marks a rare instance of a major world title fight taking place at an outdoor historical site. Fans can watch live via the DAZN app or website. One-off PPV access is priced at £24.99 in the UK and $59.99 in the US. Subscribers to the DAZN Ultimate Tier will find the event included as part of their annual package, which covers 12 pay-per-view events per year.
Frequently Asked Questions
What titles are being defended in the main event?
Oleksandr Usyk is defending his WBC, WBA (Super), IBF, and The Ring World Heavyweight titles. The WBA has stated that a victory for Usyk counts as a successful title defense, though the WBA (Super) title is not at stake for Rico Verhoeven due to his ranking status.
What time do the ringwalks start for Usyk vs Verhoeven?
The main event ringwalks are expected to begin at approximately 10:48 PM BST in the UK, which is 5:48 PM ET in the United States. In the local Egypt time zone, the fighters are scheduled to make their entrance at 12:48 AM EEST on Sunday morning.
How much does the Glory in Giza PPV cost?
The one-off DAZN Pay-Per-View cost is £24.99 for viewers in the United Kingdom and $59.99 for those in the United States. There are also bundle options available for $107.99 to $120.99 that include upcoming major fights like Fury vs. Hall.
