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Usyk to Defend WBC Heavyweight Title Against Kickboxing Icon Rico Verhoeven at Pyramids of Giza on May 23

Announced through Ring Magazine as a DAZN pay-per-view, the boxer–kickboxer crossover is drawing scrutiny because Verhoeven has only one professional boxing bout.

Overview

  • ‘Glory in Giza’ is set for May 23 at the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt with Usyk’s WBC belt at stake and the event streaming on DAZN pay-per-view.
  • Organizers tied to the announcement include Ring Magazine and Saudi-linked promoter Turki Alalshikh’s Sela, with further event details to follow.
  • Only the WBC title is listed despite Usyk holding the WBA and IBF belts; the unbeaten champion is 24-0 and last fought in July 2025, stopping Daniel Dubois.
  • Verhoeven, 36, is a long-reigning GLORY heavyweight great (66-10) but has boxed professionally just once, winning a 2014 bout by knockout.
  • The Ring says it will be the first title fight held in Egypt, and early reaction includes criticism from WBO champion Fabio Wardley questioning the matchup’s merit.