In a stunning development that has sent shockwaves through the combat sports world, unified heavyweight boxing champion Oleksandr Usyk has officially confirmed his next fight. The Ukrainian superstar will defend his WBC title against Dutch kickboxing great Rico Verhoeven in a highly anticipated bout set to take place at the iconic Pyramids of Giza in Egypt on 23 May 2026.
A Surprise Venue and Opponent
Usyk, aged 39, had been teasing major news throughout the week, amidst a flurry of other shocking boxing stories. The confirmation on Friday revealed not only the opponent but also the extraordinary location, which comes as a major surprise to fans and analysts alike. The fight at the Pyramids of Giza marks a historic moment for the sport, blending ancient wonder with modern athletic competition.
Usyk's Path to the Fight
Recently granted a voluntary title defence for his next bout, Usyk was previously linked to a potential clash with American heavyweight Deontay Wilder. However, Wilder was later paired with Derek Chisora, paving the way for Verhoeven to step into the ring. This bout will see Verhoeven, 36, vying for Usyk's WBC belt while aiming to hand the Ukrainian his first professional loss, adding high stakes to the encounter.
Verhoeven's Background and Challenge
Rico Verhoeven boasts an impressive kickboxing record of 66-10 with 21 knockouts and is a former long-reigning heavyweight champion in that discipline. However, this fight represents just his second professional boxing match, coming a full 12 years after his debut win in the sport. In contrast, Usyk holds a flawless professional boxing record of 24-0 with 15 knockouts, having previously been an undisputed cruiserweight champion and a two-time undisputed heavyweight king. He currently holds the WBC, WBA, and IBF belts in the heavyweight division.
Broader Boxing Context
Verhoeven was also linked to British heavyweight Anthony Joshua in December 2025, around the time of Joshua's stoppage victory over Jake Paul. However, Joshua's plans were disrupted by a tragic car crash in Nigeria 10 days after that fight, in which he was a passenger and two of his teammates lost their lives. The former two-time heavyweight champion's next move remains unclear, though his promoter Eddie Hearn has hinted at a potential summer comeback, leaving the boxing landscape in flux.
This confirmation adds to a week already filled with surprising boxing narratives, highlighting the dynamic and unpredictable nature of the sport. As Usyk prepares to defend his title in one of the world's most historic settings, fans eagerly await further details and build-up to what promises to be a monumental event in combat sports history.
