On May 23, at the Pyramids of Giza, Oleksandr Usyk vs Rico Verhoeven is set to headline the next Ring fight card, in a fight few would have predicted for 2026. The fight has attracted controversy, with uncertainty over which governing bodies would sanction the bout. The entire card will stream live on DAZN Pay-Per-View. The undercard has been set, and both have appeared at a DAZN face-off, where Usyk made it clear he is not taking Verhoeven lightly. Looking ahead to this unique bout, former Usyk opponent Tony Bellew has discussed how big a win for Verhoeven would be.
Oleksandr Usyk vs Rico Verhoeven: Governing bodies share their view
The WBC previously changed their initial stance and confirmed the WBC heavyweight title would, in fact, be on the line. It was unclear what stance the IBF and WBA would take.
“Should Usyk emerge victorious, the bout will officially count as a successful title defence,” the WBA said.
“However, the title itself will not be at stake for Verhoeven, as he is currently not ranked by the sanctioning body.
“If the champion were to lose, the WBA championship committee would then review his status and determine the next course of action regarding the heavyweight championship.”
The WBA also confirmed that Verhoeven would be eligible to enter its heavyweight rankings, should he become the first fighter to upset the mercurial Ukrainian.
The IBF has also confirmed: “If Usyk loses on May 23, 2026, the IBF Heavyweight title will be declared vacant immediately.”
Oleksandr Usyk vs Rico Verhoeven: Bellew discusses magnitude of potential upset
When asked how Verhoeven (1-0, 1 KO) begins to solve the puzzle of Usyk (24-0, 15 KOs), Bellew said:
“It would be the greatest shock boxing has ever seen. If Rico Verhoeven is to defeat Oleksandr Usyk, it will be the greatest victory in boxing history. Yes, it’s his second professional fight on paper, but this is a guy whose second professional fight is against the undisputed, unified former cruiserweight champion of the world, the current undisputed, unified heavyweight champion of the world. He’s undefeated. Nobody has been able to touch this guy.
“It’s peak Oleksandr Usyk. He’s just defeated a man who’s 20st and 6 foot 9 in, Tyson Fury, twice. He’s just defeated a wrecking machine in Daniel Dubois, who was on the run of his life. This isn’t a guy who’s washed up, having a comeback fight against somebody. This is a guy in his peak and prime. Put that into perspective, if Rico Verhoeven is to do this, it’s off the Richter scale.”
Usyk vs Verhoeven full fight card
- Oleksandr Usyk vs Rico Verhoeven
- Hamzah Sheeraz vs Alem Begic
- Shakhram Giyasov vs Jack Catterall
- Frank Sanchez vs Richard Torrez Jr.
- Mizuki Hiruta vs Mai Soliman
- Daniel Lapin vs Benjamin Mendes Tani
- Basem Mamdouh vs Jamar Talley
- Sultan Almohammed vs Dedy Imprax
- Mohamed Mabrouk Yehya vs Michael Kalyala
- Omar Hikal vs Ali Sserunkuma
Stay with Big Fight Weekend for coverage of Usyk vs Verhoeven, including results and video highlights, and post-fight analysis.