WBC King of The Nile Preview: Oleksandr Usyk and Rico Verhoeven Battle at The Pyramids of Giza
By Robert Brizel, Head Real Combat Media Boxing Correspondent
Robert Brizel’s Prediction Record 2025-2026: (96-22-8), (4-4) in Main Event Featured Bouts
Giza, Egypt (May 22, 2026)– At the foot of the historical Pyramids of Giza, World Heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk, with his World Boxing Council World Heavyweight championship belt and the newly created World Boxing Council vacant ‘King of the Nile’ Belt also at stake, will defend his crown in a scheduled 12 rounder against legendary pro kickboxing champion Rico Verhoeven, on a nine bouts DAZN pay-per-view card on Saturday, May 23, 2026.
Usyk, 24-0 with 15 knockouts, Oxnard, California, by way of Ukraine, and Vanderhoeven, 1-0 with one knockout, Halsteren, Netherlands, 66-10 with 21 knockouts, professional kickboxing record. The World Boxing Association has stated that if Usyk wins, the bout will count as a world heavyweight title defense. The International Boxing Federation has stated that if Usyk loses, his IBF World Heavyweight title would become vacant.
At 6’5″ with an 82.7-inch reach, Verhoeven towers over the southpaw Usyk, 6’3″ with a 78-inch reach. Verhoeven fights at 265 to 275 pounds. Usyk is now fighting at 226 to 227 pounds. Verhoeven would be categorized as a super heavyweight by size, but the extra weight could also work to his disadvantage in a long, tiring, drawn-out bout.
Usyk is the favorite at -2000. Vanderhoeven is a longshot underdog at odds of -800. Odds of an Usyk win by KO or TKO are 1 in 6 at -590. Odds of Usyk winning by decision remain at +500. The biggest question has to do with size disparity. If Verhoeven can land the heavier shots, Usyk can be broken down in a superb technical bout. Five rounds of stamina in pro kickboxing is not the same tempo as professional boxing. Usyk will try to drag Verhoeven into the deep waters of later rounds. The level of competition in this bout will depend on Rico’s ability to train for a 12-round bout, a different tempo than the kickboxing and MMA five-round pro pace. Usyk will try to maintain a championship boxing pace.
Usyk must work from the outside outwork and outpoint Verhoeven technically. Vanderhoeven must adopt his typical kickboxing squaring up stance for a more fluid leg position for maneuverability rather than kicking ability. Only a proper stance combined with a high guard defense will work. Usyk will try to exploit the stance disadvantage if Verhoeven cannot adapt his style to the sport of boxing only. It will be a different experience for him. Still, a most dangerous opponent and challenge for Usyk.
Usyk is predicted to win by unanimous or majority decision over 12 rounds in an exciting, competitive contest. Knockdowns could affect scoring in a close bout.
Start times for this event on DAZN
King of the Nile Pyramids of Giza Egypt Other Card Predictions
Jack Catterall is predicted to win by stoppage over Shakhram Giyasov in a welterweight contest.
Ricardo Torrez Jr. is predicted to win by a 10-round unanimous decision over Frank Sanchez in a heavyweight contest.
Hamzah Sheeraz is predicted to win by 12 rounds decision for the vacant WBO World Super Middleweight title over Alan Begic.
Mizuki Hiruta is predicted to win by a 10-round unanimous decision, two-minute rounds over Mia Soliman, in defense of the WBO World Female Super Flyweight title.
Jamar Talley is predicted to win by unanimous decision over Basem Mamdouh in a cruiserweight contest.
Sultan AL Mohammed is predicted to win by stoppage over Dedy Imprax in a lightweight contest.
Omar Hikal is predicted to win his pro debut by unanimous decision over Ali Sserunkuma.
Mohamed Mabruk Yehya is predicted to win his pro debut by unanimous decision over Michael Kalyaya in the opening bout on the card.
Usyk vs. Verhoeven Average Betting Odds
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Robert Brizel – Head Boxing Correspondent