Usyk to defend WBC title vs. kickboxer at the Pyramids of Giza

Oleksandr Usyk is set for a distinctive return to the ring, as the three-time undisputed champion prepares to defend his WBC heavyweight title against kickboxer Rico Verhoeven on May 23 at the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt, as announced by The Ring on Friday.

The bout will headline “Glory of Giza: Undefeated Icons,” streaming live and exclusively on DAZN.

Usyk (24-0, 15 KOs) recently scored a fifth-round knockout against Daniel Dubois in July and faced limited options for his next matchup after defeating Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury, and Dubois twice each since 2021. though a potential clash with former WBC champion Deontay Wilder was discussed, Usyk decided to pursue a different path.

At 39, Usyk hinted at an announcement earlier in the week via social media, mentioning a possible fight against GLORY kickboxing’s longest-reigning heavyweight champion. He will not only face Verhoeven, who boasts a record of 66-10 and is regarded as one of the greatest kickboxers ever, but will do so at the iconic Pyramids of Giza in North Africa.

“I have immense respect for those who reach the pinnacle of their sport,” Usyk stated. “Rico is among them — a formidable athlete and champion. Being a champion transcends just titles. It’s about years of hard work, discipline, and belief. I honor his journey; he is genuinely the King of Kickboxing. yet, this is boxing — a distinct arena with its unique rules and champions.

“I am eager and excited to meet him in the ring. This will be an extraordinary experience for both of us, and I know fans share that excitement.”

Fighting out of the Netherlands, Verhoeven held the Glory heavyweight title for an astounding 4,220 days, with 13 successful defenses from 2013 to 2025. The 36-year-old kickboxer has entered the boxing arena once, winning against Janos Finfera by knockout in 2014. He also has one MMA match, where he achieved a TKO win over Viktor Bogutzki in 2015.

“I ruled as the undisputed heavyweight kickboxing champion for twelve years and achieved all my goals,” Verhoeven commented. “But my drive to improve never diminished; it only grew stronger. I sought the highest challenge possible in another realm.

“Usyk is undisputed in boxing. That is the kind of challenge that inspires me. Undisputed vs. undisputed. The best challenging the best.”