On Saturday, May 23, a boxing match will take place in a specially built arena at the foot of the pyramids of Giza, Egypt, between the former two-time absolute world heavyweight champion, Ukrainian Oleksandr Usyk (24 wins, 15 of them by knockout), who has not fought since his rematch in July last year with Briton Daniel Dubois, and the King of Kickboxing from the Netherlands, Rico Verhoeven (1 win by knockout).
VIDEO OF THE DAY
At stake in the fight is a special belt of the World Boxing Council (WBC) “King of the Nile” and the belt of The Ring magazine. Also, in case of victory, the Ukrainian Olympic champion will be credited with mandatory defenses of the World Boxing Association (WBA) and International Boxing Federation (IBF) titles. At the same time, Verhoeven will not be able to become their owner even in case of victory.
A few days before the fight, the rivals had their first duel of glances in Egypt, against the backdrop of the pyramids. Usyk came to meet Verkhoven in a costume by Ukrainian designer Elvira Hasanova, decorated with embroidery, ornaments and symbols, among which the trident occupies the central place. At the same time, the cape can be transformed into a hood or a knight's cloak.
pic.twitter.com/HzXyFvpiY3
ADVERTISING — Ring Magazine (@ringmagazine) May 19, 2026
Bookmakers, of course, consider the Ukrainian boxer the clear favorite of the fight. For example, the Beton office accepts bets on the victory of 39-year-old Usyk (he weighed a record 105.8 kg at the weigh-in) with odds of 1.04, on a draw — 31.00, and on the victory of 37-year-old Verhoeven (117.3 kg) — 9.00.
Boxing. Super Heavyweight. Championship fight for the WBC and The Ring magazine titles
May 23 (Saturday)
ADVERTISING
Oleksandr Usyk — Rico Verhoeven approximately 23:45 Kyivstar TV
According to unofficial data, Verhoeven is guaranteed to receive 10-15 million euros for the fight in Africa, and Usyk, who was found an undefeated opponent for the fight after his fight with a giant kickboxer, will be able to count on an amount of 35 million and above.
Previously, “FACTS” reported that Verhoeven threatened Usyk before the fight in Egypt.
Photo X Boxing News 24
ADVERTISING