Oleksandr Usyk vs. Rico Verhoeven | DAZN - May 23, 2026

[Ruthless-RKO]

Getting annoyed by Michael Buffer everywhere now.

He’s getting as annoying to me as Adam Smith.

[Sweet Dick Willie]

Where are you from Ruthless-RKO?

[Ruthless-RKO]

Where are you from Ruthless-RKO?

UK.

Greater Manchester

I forgot who you are. You recently changed your name.

[Sweet Dick Willie]

Where are you from Ruthless-RKO?

UK.

Greater Manchester

I forgot who you are. You recently changed your name.

I asked cause I like the way you write, you have a poetic style

I was JackSprocket previously. Not from UK.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Where are you from Ruthless-RKO?

UK.

Greater Manchester

I forgot who you are. You recently changed your name.

I asked cause I like the way you write, you have a poetic style

I was JackSprocket previously. Not from UK.

Ha! Thanks Jack

[gilgamesh]

UK.

Greater Manchester

I forgot who you are. You recently changed your name.

I asked cause I like the way you write, you have a poetic style

I was JackSprocket previously. Not from UK.

Ha! Thanks Jack

You could alternately refer to him as Sweet Jack Willie or Dick Sprocket from time to time to keep in mind all of his aliases

Dick Sprocket is kinda funny actually.

[Sweet Dick Willie]

Dick Sprocket sounds like some detective from a Gay Falcon type of film. I like it!

On the subject: I had never heard of Rico Verhoeven before this. I don't like this kind of matchmaking but for some reason or the other I enjoyed Mayweather vs McGregor. Let Usyk have his fun I guess.

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Usyk on Verhoeven fight: I'm doing what I want, not what others want

For the first time in his career, Oleksandr Usyk feels like he’s in the driver’s seat.

The opportunity to take control of his career was a driving force in his decision to face Rico Verhoeven. The three-time undisputed champion will get his wish on May 23 when he faces the former Glory Kickboxing heavyweight champion in the main event of “Glory in Giza” in a 12-round heavyweight bout on May 23 at Pyramids of Giza in Egypt on DAZN PPV.

The WBC is sanctioning the fight as a title defense for Usyk, who also holds The Ring, IBF and WBA titles.

“One time, I want to do what I want,“ Usyk said at the launch press conference in London on Tuesday. “Not [what I] need because a lot of time I do what other people need … Now, I do what I need.”

The undercard includes Hamzah Sheeraz versus Alem Begic for the vacant WBO super middleweight title in the co-main event, Jack Catterall versus Shakhram Giyasov for the WBA regular welterweight belt, Richard Torrez versus Frank Sanchez in an IBF heavyweight title eliminator and Ring and WBO 115-pound champion Mizuki Hiruta versus Mai Soliman.

Usyk (24-0, 15 KOs), The Ring’s No. 1-ranked fighter pound-for-pound, has consistently had to go to opponents’ backyards as both challenger and champion. Most of his run through the World Boxing Super Series tournament en route to becoming the undisputed champion at cruiserweight consisted of fighting in enemy territory, and in his final fight at the weight class, he went to Manchester to face Tony Bellew and won by eighth-round stoppage.

The Ukrainian southpaw’s run at heavyweight wasn’t too dissimilar, as he had to travel to the UK to face Anthony Joshua in their first fight and he upset the British star by unanimous decision to become the unified champion. Usyk became a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion when he stopped British heavyweight Daniel Dubois for a second time on July 19 at Wembley Stadium.

Verhoeven represents a different challenge compared to anyone Usyk has faced. The 36-year-old Dutch kickboxer is 66-10 with 21 KOs as a kickboxer and reigned as the heavyweight champion in Glory, the top kickboxing organization in the world, from 2013 to 2025 before vacating the title in November.

He last fought on June 14, beating former Glory light heavyweight champion Artem Vakhitov by unanimous decision. The Dutch kickboxer has one professional boxing match under his belt, which he won by second-round knockout against a winless Janos Finfera in 2014.

Even with the chance he could be on the wrong end of one of the biggest upsets in sports history, Usyk’s approach isn’t deviating one bit.

“There’s no pressure for me,” Usyk said. “It’s just a fight.”

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OLEKSANDR USYK VS RICO VERHOEVEN ‘GLORY IN GIZA’ TICKETS ON SALE NOW FOR HISTORIC UNDISPUTED CLASH IN EGYPT – LIVE ON DAZN

Tickets for the undisputed clash between Oleksandr Usyk and Rico Verhoeven, titled ‘Glory in Giza’ are on sale now for what is set to be one of the most historic sporting events ever staged.

Set against the extraordinary backdrop of the Pyramids of Giza, the event presents a truly rare sporting occasion, a once-in-a-lifetime setting for a clash of champions.

Unified Heavyweight Champion Usyk (24–0, 15 KOs) meets kickboxing legend Verhoeven on Saturday, May 23, with the WBC Heavyweight Title on the line, broadcast globally on DAZN.

Ahead of the main event, there will be a stacked undercard featuring Hamzah Sheeraz (22–0–1) vs Alem Begic (29–0–1) for the vacant WBO Super Middleweight Title. Sheeraz returns for his first fight of 2026 following a fifth-round knockout of Edgar Berlanga last July.

Jack Catterall (32–2–0) meets unbeaten Uzbek Shakhram Giyasov (17–0–0) for the WBA Regular World Title, coming off a win over Ekow Essuman last November.

Frank Sanchez (25–1) takes on unbeaten Olympic silver medallist Richard Torrez Jr. (14–0), defending his WBC Americas and WBO NABO Titles.

Ring Magazine Female Fighter of the Year Mizuki Hiruta (10–0) defends her Ring and WBO Titles against Mai Soliman (10–1). It marks her seventh straight WBO defence and first bout on a major card.

Undefeated Ukrainian Daniel Lapin (13-0) will defend his WBA, WBO and IBF Intercontinental Light Heavyweight Ttles against Benjamin Mendes Tani (9-1), whilst Basem Mamdouh (10–2) faces unbeaten American Jamar Talley (6–0) on home soil.

Up and coming Saudi prospect Sultan Almohammed (3-0) continues his run on major undercards with a bout against Indonesian Featherweight Dedy Imprax (2-4).

Emerging Egyptian talent is also featured, with Mahmoud Mobark vs Ali Sserunkuma and Omar Hikal vs Michael Kalyalya.

Tickets are available now at: https://tazkarti.co/GloryInGiza

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[fifth_root]

This is the most disgraceful title defense ever, literally.

[londonwar]

a new gutter level

[881073]

It turns out Usyk also trains with kickboxers, that does explain why he could defeat guys like Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois so easy. It once again confirms kickboxers allways perform great in boxing.
I can't wait for this fight to happen.

[Ruthless-RKO]

[Ruthless-RKO]

‘I’m used to the big lights’: Rico Verhoeven won’t fold under the pressure of Oleksandr Usyk fight

Rico Verhoeven takes his shot at heavyweight boxing champion Oleksandr Usyk next week.



Check out some excerpts of what he had to say below.

Verhoeven on whether he has no pressure going against Usyk
“Oh, the pressure is always there but I think the most important thing is enjoy the process instead of enjoying just the fight, or enjoying ‘when I achieve this, I’m going to feel like that.’ I just try to keep it level and try to be crazy excited and thankful.”

On those who believe he has no chance to beat Usyk
“I understand that people think that, and I think it’s up to me to give them some context because they’re boxing fans. Most of them probably don’t follow kickboxing or don’t know the sport of kickboxing, so they have no clue who Rico is. And I’ve been dominating the heavyweight kickboxing sport for over a decade. I’m used to the big lights, big stage, the interviews, the pressure. I’ve been having a target on my back for such a long time because I have what people wanted. For me, I feel like a fish in the water here.”

On going straight to the top of the heavyweight division in boxing
“For me, to be honest, it made sense. The other fights [against Francis Ngannou or Anthony Joshua] also made sense in a way because they were also considered big crossover events. Yeah, Oleksandr Usyk, who’s been dominating the sport for such a long time from the cruiserweight, now in the heavyweight…Undisputed versus undisputed. Two different worlds collide with each other. Wow. I think it’s a crazy movie script.”

On how hard he expects the transition to boxing will be
“I’ve been kickboxing since the age of six, and I’ve been focusing on my boxing withing kickboxing — I’ve been working with Team Fury since like 2010 or 11 — and I’ve sparred everybody, sparred Kabayel, sparred Dillian Whyte, sparred Hughie Fury, sparred Tyson Fury. I’ve sparred everybody. So I’m used to keeping my legs on the ground.”

[Sendo Takeshi]

a new gutter level

This is the most disgraceful title defense ever, literally.

You guys are overreacting. At least Verhoeven is one of the greatest heavyweight kickboxers of all time.
Boxing has seen far worse title defenses. Tommy Morrison defended his title against a guy who was literally drinking beer in the crowd when the original opponent pulled out and got thrown in on short notice.

History is full of similar cherry-picked mismatches, especially in the heavyweight division.

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WBA WON’T ALLOW VERHOEVEN TO WIN ITS BELT EVEN IF HE UPSETS USYK

Even if Rico Verhoeven upsets Oleksandr Usyk, the WBA won’t allow him to hold its heavyweight title.

But if Usyk were to beat the kickboxing star May 23 at Pyramids of Giza in Giza, Egypt, the sanctioning body will count that victory as a successful title defense for The Ring, IBF, WBA and WBC champion.

“Following a special request submitted to the organization, the WBA reviewed the case and authorized the Ukrainian star to enter the bout carrying his championship status,” the WBA announced on its website Wednesday. “However, the title itself will not be at stake for Verhoeven, as he is currently not ranked by the sanctioning body.

“Should Usyk emerge victorious, the bout will officially count as a successful title defense. If the champion were to lose, the WBA Championship Committee would then review his status and determine the next course of action regarding the heavyweight championship. As for Verhoeven, a victory would not earn him any WBA title recognition, although it would make him eligible to enter the organization’s heavyweight rankings.”

The WBC previously announced it approved Usyk-Verhoeven as a title fight. The Netherlands’ Verhoeven would win the WBC belt if he pulls off what would go down as one of the biggest upsets in boxing history.

The IBF hasn’t publicly addressed its stance on sanctioning Usyk-Verhoeven.

As it relates to the WBA, the immediate beneficiary of an Usyk defeat would likely be Murat Gassiev. The 32-year-old Russian holds the WBA’s secondary heavyweight title.

The former cruiserweight champion would either be elevated if Verhoeven wins or ordered to fight for the possibly vacant title against Moses Itauma (14-0, 12 KOs), ranked No. 6 by The Ring and No. 1 by the WBA. Gassiev (33-2, 26 KOs) is No. 9 in The Ring’s ratings.

Those scenarios might never come about, as Usyk remains the overwhelming favorite, 25-1 according to DraftKings. Although he’s 39, The Ring’s No. 2 pound-for-pound fighter hasn’t shown any signs of slowing down. He didn’t have a very active 2025, but he made the most of his lone appearance by stopping Daniel Dubois to become a three-time undisputed champion.

As for Verhoeven, this will be just his second pro boxing match and his first since he knocked out Janos Finfera (then 0-5) in the second round 12 years ago. He does, however, have over 60 wins in his legendary kickboxing career.

DAZN will stream The Ring card headlined by Usyk versus Verhoeven. The event is included for subscribers to DAZN’s Ultimate plan ($49.99 per month in the United States; £24.99 in the UK) and is available via pay-per-view for non-subscribers ($59.99 in the U.S.; £24.99 in the UK).

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IBF STATEMENT ON USYK-RICO BOUT

IBF release an official statement on the unsanctioned Oleksandr Usyk vs Rico Verhoeven bout:

Should Usyk lose the IBF heavyweight title becomes vacant immediately.

Upon winning Usyk MUST face IBF mandatory challenger within 180 days.

[gilgamesh]

Whether any of these organizations recognize it or not. If Rico beats Usyk he's the Heavyweight Champion of the World. That's how this sh*t works.

Championships are won and lost in the ring. A Champion doesn't get to lose and then say "Ahh well, doesn't count"

[Ruthless-RKO]

Belts about to be scattered

[gilgamesh]

Belts about to be scattered

And yet Usyk will remain the Undisputed Champion.

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Oleksandr Usyk will immediately be stripped of world title if he loses to Verhoeven

The situation surrounding all of Oleksandr Usyk’s world titles is now set in stone ahead of his clash with kickboxer Rico Verhoeven.

The WBC has controversially put its belt on the line for the fight, meaning that Verhoeven, despite being given little to no chance of winning, could win the belt on May 23 in Egypt.

Today, the WBA announced that the fight will count as a successful world title defence if Usyk wins, but the challenger will be unable to claim the belt even if he causes a seismic upset. Should that be the case, a committee will convene on the next steps.

The IBF has taken a similar stance, but, whilst Verhoeven cannot win that title either, the sanctioning body will immediately declare its heavyweight belt vacant if Usyk loses.

The conditions under which Usyk has been permitted to take the fight while remaining champion are:

1. If Usyk loses on May 23, 2026, the IBF Heavyweight title will be declared vacant immediately.

2. If Usyk wins on May 23, 2026, the IBF will acknowledge the WBC’s position in the rotation and order the IBF mandatory bout for one hundred eighty (180) days thereafter.

3. If the WBA grants a special permit, the IBF will acknowledge the WBA’s position in the rotation and order the IBF mandatory bout for one hundred eighty (180) days thereafter.

4. The IBF reserves the right to amend the mandatory date in the event of substantial delays in the rotation.

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Usyk will be ordered to face WBC mandatory Agit Kabayel following the Verhoeven clash, with promoter allegedly confident he would be stripped should he fail to fulfil the obligation.

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Oleksandr Usyk-Rico Verhoeven: IBF joins WBC, WBA in permitting showcase bout

Yes, the outcome is a foregone conclusion. The event is more spectacle than sporting competition.

Sometimes, that’s OK, especially when it comes to two-time undisputed and unbeaten three-belt heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk.

At 39, just more than a week away from his bout versus kickboxer Rico Verhoeven at Egypt’s Pyramids of Giza, Usyk, 24-0 (15 KOs), received final clearance Thursday that all three of his belts will be on the line in the event.

The IBF, which was previously involved in the close of Usyk’s reign as undisputed champion, announced that it will allow Usyk to proceed with the bout with no ill ramifications.

The IBF wrote in a formal statement, “The World Boxing Council (WBC) has sanctioned the Usyk vs. Verhoeven bout and indicated that it will enforce its mandatory bout next. Based on the rotation system, the World Boxing Association (WBA) mandatory bout would follow the WBC mandatory. Accordingly, the IBF determined that there are no affected boxers, as the IBF acknowledges the rotation system among the IBF, WBA, WBC, and WBO.

“The IBF Board of Directors convened by video conference and determined that Usyk’s exception request should be granted, subject to the following conditions:

– If Usyk loses, the IBF Heavyweight title will be declared vacant immediately.

– If Usyk wins, the IBF will acknowledge the WBC’s position in the rotation and order the IBF mandatory bout for 180 days thereafter.

– If the WBA grants a special permit, the IBF will acknowledge the WBA’s position in the rotation and order the IBF mandatory bout for 180 days thereafter.”

Usyk has already twice defeated current WBO heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois, along with two-time champions Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury.

In the IBF, the Nos. 1 and 2 heavyweight contenders are vacant as Nos. 3 and 4 Frank Sanchez and Richard Torrez Jnr meet on the Usyk undercard to fight for mandatory position.