Rico Verhoeven, the dominant Glory heavyweight champion known as the “King of Kickboxing,” confirmed on Thursday that his upcoming title fight against Oleksandr Usyk is not a one-time experiment. Speaking after the final press conference in Giza, the 37-year-old Dutchman declared that kickboxing is now a “closed chapter” as he transitions into professional boxing. Verhoeven will challenge the Ukrainian champion for the WBC heavyweight title this Saturday, May 23, 2026, at the historic Pyramids of Giza.
The 6’5″ challenger enters the bout with an immense sense of purpose, viewing the opportunity as a chance to “rewrite history” after conquering every milestone in the kickboxing world. Rico Verhoeven has held the Glory heavyweight title for over 11 years, racking up 13 consecutive defenses during a 4,220-day reign. “This is 100 percent just the start of my campaign as a boxer,” Verhoeven told media members, emphasizing that he is in the sport to “take over” rather than just participate.
Challenging the tactical dominance of Oleksandr Usyk
Success for Rico Verhoeven will require more than just the raw physical power that helped him secure 20 or 21 knockouts across his storied kickboxing career. He faces a daunting technical task against the 39-year-old Oleksandr Usyk, who boasts a perfect 24-0 professional boxing record. Usyk has spent recent years cementing his legacy by twice defeating elite heavyweights such as Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury, and Daniel Dubois.
The Ukrainian champion has approached the promotion with a unique perspective, describing the high-profile clash as a “very good media fight” intended to expand the sport’s reach. Oleksandr Usyk compared the event to a “movie” or a “show” where both combatants are lead actors. While the champion views it through a cinematic lens, he remains a formidable physical presence, having weighed in at a career-high 227.3 lbs in his last outing against Daniel Dubois.
Verhoeven remains unfazed by the gap in boxing experience, noting that while the sport of kickboxing is large, the media spotlight of a major boxing event in Egypt is “out of this world.” With a boxing record of 1-0 and only two rounds of professional experience in the ring, the Dutchman relies on his championship pedigree to bridge the technical divide. He confirmed that regardless of Saturday’s result, he plans to continue his campaign to reach the summit of the heavyweight division.
Broadcast details and ringwalk times for Giza
The event is scheduled to take place at the Pyramids of Giza, a venue Verhoeven believes adds to the historical weight of the match. Fans globally can watch the card via DAZN PPV or through the DAZN Ultimate Tier subscription. For those purchasing as a one-off event, the price is set at £24.99 in the United Kingdom and $59.99 in the United States. Bundle options are also available for fans who wish to watch concurrent cards like the Zayas vs. Boots event.
The main card is scheduled to begin at 8:00 PM EEST on Saturday, May 23. Fans waiting for the main event can expect the ringwalks for Rico Verhoeven and Oleksandr Usyk to take place at approximately 12:48 AM EEST on Sunday, May 24. As Daniel Dubois and other heavyweights look on, the boxing world will see if a kickboxing legend can truly disrupt the established hierarchy of the “sweet science.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the professional boxing record of Rico Verhoeven?
Verhoeven currently has a professional boxing record of 1 win and 0 losses. He made his boxing debut in 2014 and has recorded one victory by way of knockout, having boxed a total of two rounds in the professional ranks.
Why is Rico Verhoeven transitioning from kickboxing to boxing?
Verhoeven stated that he has “conquered everything” in kickboxing and considers that phase of his career a “closed chapter.” He views the fight against Usyk as an opportunity to rewrite history and the official start of a long-term campaign in the boxing heavyweight division.
How can fans watch the Usyk vs. Verhoeven fight from Giza?
The fight is being broadcast via DAZN PPV for £24.99 in the UK and $59.99 in the US. It is also included for subscribers of the DAZN Ultimate Tier. The main event ringwalks are expected to occur at 12:48 AM EEST on Sunday, May 24, 2026.
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