Best Odds Center
best odds centre button
Click here!
Sport TV
watch live tv button
Click here!
to watch
Live FootBall
NPFL
Click here!
Live Scores
play watch Live Score button
Click here!

Oleksandr Usyk to Defend WBC Heavyweight Title Against Kickboxing Star Rico Verhoeven

Posted : 28 February 2026

Two-time undisputed heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk is set to return to the ring in May to defend his WBC title against former kickboxing champion Rico Verhoeven. The bout, which will take place at the iconic Pyramids of Giza in Egypt, has been promoted as ‘Glory in Giza.’

Usyk, who also holds the WBA and IBF belts, has not fought since defeating Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium in July. The 36-year-old Verhoeven, a celebrated kickboxer, will make his boxing debut since 2014 when he steps into the ring with Usyk on 23 May.

Speaking ahead of the fight, Usyk praised Verhoeven’s achievements, saying: “I truly respect people who reach the very top in their sport. Rico is one of them—a powerful athlete and a great champion. 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. A big night is coming.”

Verhoeven, who compiled 66 wins in 76 kickboxing matches before retiring in November, reflected on the transition to boxing. “I spent 12 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,” he said.

He added, “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.”

The clash promises a unique showdown between a boxing legend and a kickboxing superstar, generating global interest ahead of the historic fight in Egypt.

ADD A COMMENT :

Hot Topics

close button
Please fill captcha :