Oleksandr Usyk to Defend WBC Heavyweight Title Against Kickboxer Rico Verhoeven

By Robert Brizel, Head Real Combat Media Boxing Correspondent

 Giza, Egypt (March 1st, 2026)– The Ring will present Glory in Giza. With the historical backdrop of the pyramids of Giza, Egypt, Oleksandr Usyk will defend the World Boxing Council version of the World heavyweight title against longtime heavyweight kickboxing champion Rico Verhoeven on May 23, 2026.

 Usyk, 24-0 with 15 knockouts, Oxnard, California, by way of Ukraine, will face Verhoeven, 1-0 with one knockout, Halsteren, Netherlands. Verhoeven’s last and only boxing bout was in 2014. Verhoeven’s professional kickboxing record is 60-10 with 20 knockouts as the long-reigning Glory heavyweight champion.

 Boxers against martial artists and wrestlers have led to mixed results. Muhammad Ali battled Rocky Aoki. Riddick Bowe, Leon Spinks, and Tyson Fury are among those who have tried it. For the actual heavyweight title or a piece of it to be on the line, that’s a first.

 Opening odds have Usyk as a 1:33 favorite, with Verhoven the underdog at 12:1. Odds of a draw are 33:1. While the result may not be historically noteworthy, the site of the bout among the great pyramids certainly is.

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Robert Brizel – Head Boxing Correspondent

Robert is the Head Boxing Correspondent for Real Combat Media Boxing since 2013. Robert is also a photographer and ringside reporter for the RCM Tri State region which includes NJ, NY and PA. Robert conducts exclusive interviews, provides historical boxing articles and provides editorial ringside coverage of major boxing events. You can contact or follow Robert on Facebook and by email at [email protected].