Undisputed heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk (24-0, 15 KOs) makes his long-awaited return to the ring on Saturday, May 23, 2026, at one of the most breathtaking venues in the history of combat sports — the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt. His opponent is kickboxing legend Rico Verhoeven (1-0, 1 KO). The event, branded “Glory in Giza,” will be broadcast exclusively on DAZN.
When and Where
The fight takes place on Saturday, May 23, 2026, at the Pyramids of Giza, Giza, Egypt. This marks the first professional boxing event ever staged at the ancient wonder of the world. It is also the first time Usyk — who has competed in seven different countries — will fight on the African continent.
Start Time
The DAZN PPV main card begins at 2:00 PM ET / 6:00 PM BST / 9:00 PM Kyiv time. The main event ringwalks are expected at approximately 9:00 PM UTC (5:00 PM ET / 11:00 PM Kyiv time).
How to Watch
The fight streams live and exclusively on DAZN as a pay-per-view event, available globally including in Ukraine. DAZN is currently offering a 7-day free trial to new subscribers. In Ukraine, the fight is also expected to be available via Megogo, which has traditionally carried Usyk’s bouts in recent years.
What’s at Stake
Usyk enters as the reigning WBC, WBA, and IBF heavyweight champion. On the line against Verhoeven is specifically the WBC heavyweight title — this will be Usyk’s third defense of that belt and his fifth defense of The Ring Magazine championship. The WBA and IBF titles will not be on the line in this contest.
Odds and Predictions
Usyk is the overwhelming favourite, with bookmakers pricing his victory at 1.05, Verhoeven’s win at 13.00, and a draw at 34.00. On Tapology, 94% of fans predict a Usyk victory — mostly by KO/TKO.
Full Undercard
- Hamzah Sheeraz (UK, 22-0-1) vs. Alem Begić (Germany, 29-0-1) — Vacant WBO Super Middleweight Title
- Jack Catterall (UK, 32-2) vs. Shakhram Giyasov (Uzbekistan, 18-0) — WBO Welterweight Title
- Frank Sanchez (Cuba, 25-1) vs. Richard Torrez Jr. (USA, 14-0)
- Mizuki Hiruta (Japan, 10-0) vs. Mai Soliman (Australia, 10-1)
- Basem Mamdouh (Egypt, 10-2) vs. Jamar Talley (USA, 6-0)
Interesting Facts You Should Know
- A first in history. “Glory in Giza” is the first professional boxing event ever held at the Pyramids of Giza. The Great Pyramid of Khufu — the oldest of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World — was built around 2600 BC using an estimated 2.3 million stone blocks.
- Verhoeven’s legendary kickboxing career. The Dutch fighter held the GLORY Kickboxing heavyweight title for an astonishing 4,220 consecutive days — over 11 years — and made 13 successful title defenses between 2013 and 2025. He compiled a kickboxing record of 66-10 with 21 knockouts in 76 bouts.
- Almost a boxing novice. Despite his towering kickboxing résumé, Verhoeven has fought in a boxing ring just once — a KO win over Janos Finfera back in 2014. The experience gap between the fighters is stark: Usyk has logged 206 professional boxing rounds; Verhoeven just 2.
- Why not Deontay Wilder? A fight with former WBC champion Wilder had been widely discussed, but Wilder chose Derek Chisora instead. Usyk seized the chance to follow his own instincts: “A lot of time I do what other people demand. Now I do what I want.”
- Olympic gold medallist. Usyk won Olympic gold in heavyweight boxing at London 2012 — before going on to conquer every major title in professional boxing.
- Physical matchup. Verhoeven holds a 2-inch height advantage and a 1-inch reach advantage over Usyk, who fights out of a southpaw stance. However, Usyk’s technical boxing ability and ring IQ are considered far superior.
- The Francis Ngannou precedent. Analysts have drawn comparisons to Francis Ngannou’s shock performance against Tyson Fury in 2023, suggesting Verhoeven’s physical tools should not be dismissed outright.
- “Hard training and good pasta.” Asked about his preparation at the London press conference, Usyk summed it up: “Hard training and good pasta — good pasta, double portion. It’s magic.”
- Usyk’s full title reign. Usyk won The Ring Magazine belt against Anthony Joshua in August 2022, defeated Tyson Fury by split decision in May 2024 (Fury’s first ever professional loss), and then knocked out Daniel Dubois in five rounds at Wembley in July 2025 — becoming undisputed champion for the second time in two weight classes.