Unbeaten unified heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk returns to the ring on Saturday, May 23 to face former GLORY heavyweight kickboxing champion Rico Verhoeven in one of the most unusual matchups boxing has seen in years.
Staged in front of the Pyramids of Giza at the open-air “Glory in Giza” event near Cairo, undisputed WBC, WBA, IBF and Ring Magazine heavyweight champion Usyk meets GLORY’s long-reigning heavyweight king Verhoeven – an unbeaten 11-year champion with 13 successful title defenses – in a rare crossover bout between two combat-sports icons.
Usyk enters as a heavy favorite. His WBC belt is officially on the line, and his WBA and IBF titles would also be vacated in the event of a loss. For Verhoeven, the fight is a chance to “push the boundaries of the sport” while collecting a career-defining payday against one of the heavyweight division’s all-time greats.
Usyk vs Verhoeven tale of the tape
Verhoeven gives up nothing in physical size and edges Usyk on natural heavyweight frame, but every minute of his professional career has been spent under kickboxing rules. This is his pro boxing debut. Usyk, meanwhile, is the most decorated active operator in the division.
| Category | Oleksandr Usyk | Rico Verhoeven |
|---|---|---|
| Age (fight night) | 39 | 37 |
| Nationality | Ukrainian | Dutch |
| Height | 6’3” (1.91m) | 6’5” (1.96m) |
| Stance | Southpaw | Orthodox |
| Pro boxing record | Unbeaten | Pro boxing debut |
| Combat-sports background | Undisputed heavyweight boxing champion; Olympic gold medallist | Long-reigning GLORY heavyweight kickboxing champion (13 title defenses) |
How to watch Usyk vs Verhoeven in the US
Glory in Giza is available in the United States via DAZN pay-per-view. The most cost-effective way to watch is to take out a DAZN annual subscription and add PPV access – you get the fight plus 12 months of premium boxing and combat sports for materially less than buying the one-off PPV and subscribing separately. It can also be purchased as a stand-alone PPV through the DAZN app on smart TVs, mobile, web and supported games consoles. Click the banner below to sign-up.
Usyk vs Verhoeven odds
Oleksandr Usyk is a prohibitive favorite at around -1800 across major US sportsbooks, while Rico Verhoeven is a heavy underdog priced near +1400. A draw is considered highly unlikely at roughly +5000.
Method-of-victory markets are widely listed too: Usyk to win by knockout, TKO or disqualification is the headline prop and trades shorter than his moneyline, while Usyk on points sits longer to reflect how confident the market is that he can find a stoppage against a fighter making his pro boxing debut. Round-group, total-rounds and over/under markets are also live across the major US books.
Odds subject to change. 21+ and present in a state where online sports betting is legal. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
Usyk vs Verhoeven sportsbook offers
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What time is Usyk vs Verhoeven?
Usyk and Verhoeven aren’t expected to enter the ring until around 6:00pm ET / 3:00pm PT on Saturday, May 23. Ring walks for the main event are anticipated no earlier than 5:30pm ET / 2:30pm PT, with the full undercard running from late afternoon ET.
Usyk vs Verhoeven prediction and pick
Fighting under boxing rules strips Verhoeven of his most dangerous weapon – his kicks – and leaves him at a significant skill disadvantage against one of the sport’s most intelligent operators. Expect the Dutchman to come out aggressively early and try to impose his physicality, but Usyk’s footwork, timing and ring IQ should take over as the fight develops. The Ukrainian is likely to break Verhoeven down gradually before finding a stoppage in the middle rounds.
Prediction: Oleksandr Usyk to win in rounds 4-6 (+230 at FanDuel Sportsbook)
Usyk vs Verhoeven full undercard
- Hamzah Sheeraz vs Alem Begic
- Jack Catterall vs Shakhram Giyasov
- Frank Sanchez vs Richard Torrez Jr.
- Mizuki Hiruta vs Mai Solman
- Basen Mamdouh vs Jamar Talley
- Mahmoud Mobark vs Michael Kalvalya
- Omar Hikal vs Ali Sserunkuma
Usyk vs Verhoeven FAQs
When is Usyk vs Verhoeven?
Usyk vs Verhoeven takes place on Saturday, May 23, 2026. Ring walks for the main event are expected from around 5:30pm ET / 2:30pm PT, with Usyk and Verhoeven entering the ring close to 6:00pm ET / 3:00pm PT.
Where is Usyk vs Verhoeven taking place?
The fight is the headline bout on the “Glory in Giza” card – an open-air event staged in front of the Pyramids of Giza, near Cairo, Egypt.
How can I watch Usyk vs Verhoeven in the US?
The fight is available in the United States on DAZN pay-per-view. The most cost-effective option is a DAZN annual subscription with the PPV bolt-on added – that bundles the fight with 12 months of premium boxing and combat sports coverage. The PPV can also be bought standalone via the DAZN app on smart TVs, mobile, web and supported consoles.
Are Usyk’s heavyweight titles on the line?
Yes. The WBC heavyweight title is officially on the line, and Usyk’s WBA and IBF straps would also be vacated in the event of a loss – meaning all of his major heavyweight belts are effectively at risk.
What rules will Usyk vs Verhoeven be fought under?
The bout is contested under standard professional boxing rules – gloved, no kicks, no clinches, scored across championship rounds – which removes the kicks, knees and clinch work that define Verhoeven’s GLORY kickboxing game.
Why is Verhoeven such a heavy underdog?
This is Verhoeven’s professional boxing debut. He is one of the most accomplished heavyweight kickboxers in the sport’s history, but stepping into the ring against an undisputed boxing champion of Usyk’s calibre – without the kicks, clinches and knees that define his GLORY game – is a steep ask. The market reflects that gap.