Usyk to Face Kickboxing Champion Verhoeven in Historic Bout at the Pyramids
Oleksandr Usyk, the reigning three-time undisputed heavyweight champion, is set to embark on a truly unique challenge, defending his WBC heavyweight title against Rico Verhoeven, the celebrated GLORY kickboxing heavyweight champion, on May 23rd. The bout, dubbed “Glory of Giza: Undefeated Icons,” will take place at the iconic Pyramids of Giza in Egypt, marking a first for professional boxing. The event will be streamed live and exclusively on DAZN, bringing a novel clash of combat sports to a global audience. This fight represents a significant departure from Usyk’s recent path, which included dominant victories over Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury, and a potential, but ultimately unrealized, bout with Deontay Wilder.
The decision to face Verhoeven, a name largely unfamiliar to traditional boxing fans, underscores Usyk’s willingness to explore unconventional matchups. Usyk (24-0, 15 KOs) most recently secured a fifth-round knockout victory over Daniel Dubois in July 2023, as reported by ESPN. Following that win, speculation centered around a potential rematch with Wilder, as discussed by ESPN, but negotiations did not materialize. Usyk, 39, publicly hinted at a forthcoming announcement earlier this week, setting the stage for the surprising confirmation of the Verhoeven fight.
A Clash of Combat Sports Titans
The upcoming contest pits a master boxer against a kickboxing legend. Verhoeven, 36, has long been considered one of the greatest kickboxers of all time, boasting a professional record of 66-10. He held the GLORY heavyweight title for an astonishing 4,220 days, successfully defending it 13 times between 2013, and 2025. While primarily known for his striking prowess, Verhoeven isn’t entirely unfamiliar with combat sports outside of kickboxing. He has one professional boxing bout on his record, a knockout victory over Janos Finfera in 2014, and a single MMA fight, a TKO win over Viktor Bogutzki in 2015.
Usyk acknowledged the challenge Verhoeven presents, stating, “I truly respect people who reach the very top in their sport. Rico is one of them — a powerful athlete and a great champion. Being a champion isn’t just about belts. It’s about years of hard work, discipline and belief. I respect his journey; he’s truly the King of Kickboxing. But this is boxing — a different game, with its own rules and its own kings.” He continued, expressing his readiness for the fight: “I’m ready and really 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.”
The Allure of Giza and the DAZN Partnership
The choice of the Pyramids of Giza as the fight venue adds an unprecedented layer of spectacle to the event. Hosting a major boxing match at such a historically significant location is a bold move, aiming to attract a wider audience beyond traditional boxing fans. Egypt has been increasingly seeking to position itself as a hub for international sporting events, and this fight aligns with that strategy. The event, branded “Glory of Giza: Undefeated Icons,” is clearly designed to capitalize on the visual grandeur of the location.
DAZN has secured exclusive broadcasting rights for the fight, further solidifying its position as a key player in the combat sports streaming landscape. The streaming platform has invested heavily in boxing and mixed martial arts, and this event represents a significant addition to its portfolio. DAZN’s exclusive coverage will likely drive subscriptions and viewership, particularly among international audiences eager to witness this unique matchup. The partnership with DAZN underscores the growing trend of combat sports events moving away from traditional television networks and towards streaming platforms.
Verhoeven’s Perspective: A Latest Challenge
Verhoeven expressed his enthusiasm for the challenge, stating, “I spent twelve years as the undisputed heavyweight kickboxing champion and accomplished everything I set out to accomplish. But staying at the top didn’t take away the hunger, it strengthened it. I wasn’t looking for comfort, so started looking for the highest challenge available in another world.” He continued, “Usyk is undisputed in boxing. That’s the kind of challenge that motivates me. Undisputed versus undisputed. The best facing the best.” This sentiment highlights Verhoeven’s ambition to test himself against the elite in a different combat sport, and his recognition of Usyk’s accomplishments in the boxing world.
The transition from kickboxing to boxing presents a unique set of challenges for Verhoeven. While his striking skills are undoubtedly world-class, he will need to adapt to the different ruleset, including the use of gloves, the emphasis on clinching, and the strategic nuances of boxing footwork and defense. Usyk, with his extensive boxing experience and technical prowess, will likely exploit these differences. However, Verhoeven’s power and reach could pose a threat to Usyk, particularly if he can land a clean shot.
Andreas Hale, a combat sports reporter for ESPN, according to ESPN’s press room, has been closely following the development of this fight. Hale’s background includes covering boxing, mixed martial arts, and professional wrestling, as well as hosting on Sirius XM’s Fight Nation. His experience provides valuable insight into the dynamics of this unusual matchup.
The upcoming fight between Usyk and Verhoeven is more than just a title defense; it’s a collision of combat sports worlds. The event promises to be a spectacle, both in terms of the location and the unique skill sets of the two competitors. The outcome remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: this fight will undoubtedly capture the attention of combat sports fans worldwide.
The next confirmed update regarding this event will likely be the release of further details regarding the undercard and pre-fight promotional activities in the weeks leading up to May 23rd. Stay tuned to World Today Journal for continued coverage of this historic matchup. We encourage our readers to share their thoughts and predictions in the comments below.
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