Not many people had a firm idea on who Oleksandr Usyk would face in his next scheduled fight, but I don’t think anyone had him pegged to be taking on former kickboxing champion Rico Verhoeven. Today it was announced through Turki Alalshikh and Ring Magazine that ‘Glory in Giza’ will be headlined by the fight with the WBC heavyweight title on the line in Egypt, streaming live on DAZN on May 23.
“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” Usyk said in a press release statement. “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. I’m ready and really looking forward to meeting him in the ring. It’s going to be a unique experience for both of us, and I know the fans are excited too. A big night is coming!”
His opponent Verhoeven shared these words.
“I spent twelve years as the undisputed heavyweight kickboxing champion and accomplished everything I set out to accomplish,” Verhoeven said. “But staying at the top for that long didn’t take away the hunger, it strengthened it. 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.”
More details on ticket information and the undercard is expected to be released in the coming weeks.
