WBC heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk will defend his world title against kickboxing star Rico Verhoeven on Saturday, May 23, 2026, at the Giza Pyramid Complex in Cairo, Egypt.
The championship bout marks just the second professional boxing match for the 37-year-old Dutch challenger.
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The unique sports crossover was arranged under the shadow of the Great Pyramid after Hollywood actor Jason Statham pitched the matchup to Saudi Arabia's General Entertainment Authority chairman Turki Alalshikh.
Verhoeven previously signed to face Anthony Joshua before that bout was suspended.
The 39-year-old Ukrainian champion enters the ring boasting a perfect 24-0 professional record.
In contrast, Verhoeven has secured only one professional boxing victory, which occurred via a second-round stoppage against Janos Finfera in 2014, despite dominating Glory Kickboxing for over a decade.
Expert Predictions Favor Usyk
Combat sports experts heavily favor the reigning champion to retain his crown.
Multiple former world titleholders and pundits predict a mid-to-late round stoppage, citing the fluid boxing skill and methodical pacing of the undivided champion against the size and toughness of the kickboxing veteran.
"I'm going for Usyk by stoppage in round six," predicted Tony Bellew, former WBC cruiserweight champion.
Former boxer Malik Scott expects a similar outcome for the heavyweight clash.
"Usyk will win by stoppage between rounds four and eight," said Malik Scott, former boxer and trainer of Deontay Wilder.
British analysts also backed the Ukrainian to break down his opponent before the final bell.
