The world of combat sports is about to witness a spectacle unlike any other as Oleksandr Usyk, the reigning and undefeated heavyweight boxing champion, prepares to defend his WBC title against kickboxing icon Rico Verhoeven. The fight, aptly named "Glory in Giza," is set for May 23, 2026, at the historic Pyramids of Giza in Egypt—a location as dazzling and unexpected as the matchup itself. Fans can catch all the action live on DAZN, with the event promising a night of high drama and sporting history in the shadow of one of the world’s greatest wonders.
Usyk (24-0, 15 KOs), who last stepped into the ring in July 2025 to score a comprehensive fifth-round knockout over Daniel Dubois, has been on a rampage through the heavyweight division in recent years. Since 2021, the Ukrainian has twice defeated the likes of Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury, and Dubois, cementing his legacy as one of the era’s most dominant fighters. His victory over Dubois not only retained his WBA, WBC, WBO, IBO, and The Ring titles but also made him the second man after Muhammad Ali to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion. That’s some rarified air.
Yet, even with his dominance, Usyk found himself facing a shortage of big-name opponents. He had set his sights on a tantalizing clash with former WBC champion Deontay Wilder, only for Wilder to choose a bout with Derek Chisora instead. British heavyweight Fabio Wardley was also in the mix, but when that fight failed to materialize, Wardley signed to face Dubois, leaving Usyk to chart a new course. Enter Rico Verhoeven, a name that sent shockwaves through both the boxing and kickboxing worlds.
Verhoeven, a 36-year-old Dutch powerhouse, is widely regarded as one of the greatest heavyweight kickboxers in modern history. His record in kickboxing is a staggering 66 wins against just 10 losses, with 21 of those victories coming by knockout. From 2013 to June 2025, Verhoeven reigned as the undisputed Glory heavyweight champion, defending his title 13 times over a remarkable 4,220-day stretch. He capped his kickboxing career with a dominant win over Artem Vakhitov at Glory 100 in June 2025 before officially stepping away from the sport later that year.
But Verhoeven’s hunger for challenge didn’t wane. "I spent twelve years as the undisputed heavyweight kickboxing champion and accomplished everything I set out to accomplish. But staying at the top for that long didn’t take away the hunger, it strengthened it," Verhoeven explained in a press release. "I wasn’t looking for comfort, so I started looking for the highest challenge available in another world. Usyk is undisputed in boxing. That’s the kind of challenge that motivates me. Undisputed versus undisputed. The best facing the best."
Though Verhoeven is a legend in kickboxing, his professional boxing experience is limited. He’s fought just once in the squared circle, knocking out Janos Finfera in the second round back in 2014. He also boasts a single MMA victory—a TKO over Viktor Bogutzki in 2015—but it’s clear that boxing is a different beast. Usyk, ever the sportsman, acknowledged Verhoeven’s achievements while making no bones about the challenge ahead. "I truly respect people who reach the very top in their sport. Rico is one of them — a powerful athlete and a great champion," Usyk said. "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. 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. A big night is coming!"
The bout is set to be the first heavyweight boxing title fight ever held in Egypt, and the Pyramids of Giza provide a dramatic and historic backdrop. Turki Alalshikh, who announced the fight, and Ring Magazine have dubbed the event "Glory of Giza: Undefeated Icons," underscoring the magnitude of this cross-discipline clash. The fight will not only be a test of skills but also a celebration of what it means to be a champion in two very different worlds.
Verhoeven’s path to this fight wasn’t straightforward. After his retirement from kickboxing, rumors swirled about a potential move to MMA, with the UFC making overtures for him to fight Derrick Lewis at UFC 324. However, Verhoeven ultimately opted for the boxing challenge, drawn by the allure of facing Usyk and the historic stakes of the bout. In the words of UFC’s Hunter Campbell, "the promotion had made a move on Verhoeven, but he elected to do boxing instead." For Verhoeven, it’s about legacy—testing himself against the best in another discipline.
The reaction from the boxing community has been a mix of surprise and intrigue. Usyk, known for his technical prowess and relentless work ethic, is a heavy favorite against the less-experienced Verhoeven. Many see this as a unique "bit of fun" for Usyk before he returns to mandatory title defenses, with the WBC already announcing that he must face German interim champion Agit Kabayel after this voluntary defense. Still, the crossover element brings a fresh buzz to the heavyweight division, reminiscent of Tyson Fury’s 2023 "crossover" bout with MMA star Francis Ngannou.
As for Verhoeven, he enters as the underdog—a role he seems to relish. His 11-year undefeated streak in kickboxing, including a 22-fight win streak, speaks to his resilience and championship mentality. Yet, the leap from kickboxing to boxing, especially at this elite level, is daunting. Verhoeven himself acknowledges the challenge: "I wasn’t looking for comfort, so I started looking for the highest challenge available in another world. Usyk is undisputed in boxing. That’s the kind of challenge that motivates me."
With ticket details and the undercard expected to be announced soon, anticipation is building for what promises to be a memorable night in Giza. The narrative of "undisputed versus undisputed"—two champions from different worlds meeting at the crossroads of history and sport—has captivated fans worldwide. Whether this fight serves as a stepping stone to more traditional title defenses for Usyk or marks the beginning of a new chapter for Verhoeven, one thing’s certain: the world will be watching as the desert sands of Egypt play host to a heavyweight clash for the ages.
As May 23 approaches, all eyes are on the Pyramids, where the king of boxing and the king of kickboxing will finally meet. The outcome is far from certain, but the spectacle is already assured. Get ready for a night where history, heritage, and heavyweight power collide under the Egyptian sky.