The ancient Pyramids of Giza are providing the most breathtaking of backdrops tonight as Oleksandr Usyk, the undefeated Ukrainian heavyweight king, faces off against kickboxing legend Rico Verhoeven in a headline-grabbing crossover bout. The event, dubbed "Glory in Giza," has already captured the imaginations of combat sports fans worldwide, with DAZN streaming the spectacle live to viewers eager for a night of high-stakes action and historic firsts.
Usyk, now 39 and holding the WBA, IBF, and WBC heavyweight belts, is no stranger to the limelight. His journey through the cruiserweight and heavyweight divisions has been nothing short of dominant, and he's coming off a career-defining victory over Daniel Dubois at Wembley last summer. Yet, tonight marks a unique chapter: defending his WBC title against an opponent with just one professional boxing bout to his name, but an 11-year reign as GLORY Kickboxing’s heavyweight champion.
Verhoeven, 37, may be a boxing novice, but his legacy in the world of kickboxing is ironclad. Known as the "King of Kickboxing," the Dutchman boasts unmatched cardio and technical precision, having defeated all comers in his discipline—some more than once. "Like what Oleksandr did within boxing, I did within kickboxing for 12 years. Defeat everybody and some people multiple times. The WBC is also the only organisation that looks at kickboxing and Muay Thai. So for them, they recognised and gave me my credentials," Verhoeven said in the run-up to the fight, underlining his determination to make the transition count.
The event is being broadcast exclusively via DAZN pay-per-view, with UK fans able to tune in for £24.99, or through a DAZN Ultimate subscription for £22.99 per month. The main card began at 6pm BST, with the headline ring walks scheduled for around 10:45pm BST (5:45pm ET). The fight is set for 12 rounds under traditional boxing rules, and while Usyk is a heavy favourite—odds from Betway and bet365 have him at 1/25 and 1/18, respectively—Verhoeven’s power and unpredictability keep the intrigue alive. After all, in heavyweight boxing, it only takes one punch to turn the world upside down.
As for Usyk, this bout is rumoured to be the first leg of a three-fight retirement tour. The Ukrainian has hinted strongly that his time in the ring may soon come to a close, telling reporters, "Three fights [including Verhoeven] and finished. It’s not 100 per cent, but when I say I’m retired, I won’t be back. It’s going to be different, but it’s going to be a great show. Of course, it’s a tough fight. It’s not an easy walk. It doesn’t matter who I am fighting, I am prepared 100 per cent. He’s a good challenge." Fans are soaking up every moment, aware that each fight could be a last glimpse of one of boxing’s true greats.
Verhoeven’s boxing credentials may be slim—his only pro bout was a second-round KO victory more than a decade ago—but he’s been preparing for this moment under the guidance of Peter Fury, uncle to Tyson Fury. The WBC’s recognition of his kickboxing credentials gave the green light for this unconventional title challenge, adding another layer of legitimacy and intrigue to the matchup.
The undercard has already delivered fireworks. In the super middleweight division, Hamzah Sheeraz scored a stunning second-round knockout of Alem Begic to claim the vacant WBO title. Jack Catterall, another British standout, outpointed Shakhram Giyasov via unanimous decision, picking up scores of 118-109, 119-108, and 116-111 in a tactical masterclass. Heavyweight Frank Sanchez dispatched Richard Torrez Jr with a second-round KO in an IBF eliminator, while Mizuki Hiruta retained her WBO super-flyweight crown by outboxing Mai Soliman over ten rounds. Benjamin Mendes Tani also impressed, stopping Daniel Lapin by fourth-round TKO in their light heavyweight contest.
The preliminary undercard featured a host of Egyptian and international talent, with Omar Hikal, Mohamed Mabrouk Yehya, Sultan Almohammed, and Basem Mamdouh all stepping into the ring in front of a raucous crowd. These early bouts set the tone for the evening, with local fans thrilled to see their compatriots showcased on such a global stage.
Tonight’s venue, the Pyramids of Giza, is as much a star as the fighters themselves. Organisers selected this iconic setting to maximise global viewership and provide an atmosphere unlike any other. The late-night slot was designed to ensure fans from London to Los Angeles could witness the spectacle live, with the ancient wonders illuminated by the glare of camera flashes and the roar of the crowd.
For Verhoeven, this is more than just a payday—it’s a chance to shake up the boxing world and prove that elite kickboxing skills can translate to the squared circle. For Usyk, it’s an opportunity to cement his legacy further, expand his brand, and perhaps set up a grand finale to his storied career. The stakes could not be higher, and the pressure is palpable on both sides.
Despite the apparent mismatch on paper, the fight has captivated the public’s imagination. Could Verhoeven pull off one of the great upsets? Or will Usyk’s technical mastery and championship pedigree prove too much for even the mightiest of kickboxers? That’s the drama only live action can resolve—and as the fighters make their way to the ring, the world waits with bated breath.
With the main event about to get underway, all eyes are on the Pyramids. Whether this night ends with Usyk’s hand raised, or with Verhoeven shocking the world, one thing’s for certain: "Glory in Giza" is already a night for the history books.