Combat sports have officially entered a new era.
Traditional boxing is no longer the only attraction pulling massive audiences. Crossover fights, influencer events, and unexpected matchups are now dominating headlines, creating a lane that nobody truly expected to explode the way it has.
We’ve already witnessed Tyson Fury vs Francis Ngannou. Dana White recently shocked the combat sports world again with the signing of Conor Benn under the Zuffa banner. At this point, fans thought there was nothing left capable of breaking the internet.
Then came the announcement nobody could ignore.
Oleksandr Usyk will defend his WBC heavyweight title against GLORY kickboxing king Rico Verhoeven in a professional boxing match on May 23, 2026, live from the legendary Pyramids of Giza in Egypt.
The event, officially titled “Glory in Giza”, already feels like one of the wildest spectacles combat sports has ever produced.
But is this a genuine challenge for Usyk, or simply another crossover showcase designed for headlines and pay-per-view numbers?
Let’s break it all down.
Usyk vs. Rico: Glory in Giza
- Date/Time: Saturday 05.23.2026 at 01:00 PM ET
- Worldwide Broadcast: DAZN
- Promotion: Matchroom Boxing
- Ownership: Matchroom Sport
- Co-Promoter: Goldstar
- Venue: Pyramids of Giza
- Location: Giza, Egypt
- Enclosure: Ring
- Boxing Bouts: 10
Oleksandr Usyk: One of Boxing’s Greatest Technicians
At this stage, Oleksandr Usyk’s legacy is already secure.
The Ukrainian southpaw is undefeated as a professional boxer, carrying a perfect 24-0 record into this fight. Olympic gold medalist. Undisputed cruiserweight champion. Undisputed heavyweight champion. The résumé is absurd.
Usyk has beaten Anthony Joshua twice. Tyson Fury twice. Daniel Dubois twice. Different styles, different approaches, same outcome every single time.
Victory.
- Also read: Usyk vs Verhoeven Fight Card
What makes Usyk special isn’t just the wins themselves. It’s the way he controls fights.
His movement is unlike anything most heavyweights have ever seen. He glides around the ring, constantly changing angles while forcing opponents to reset. Add elite ring IQ, southpaw timing, and relentless cardio, and you get a fighter many analysts consider one of the smartest boxers of this generation.
Even at 39 years old, Usyk still operates at an elite level.
Rico Verhoeven: The King of Kickboxing
If boxing fans are unfamiliar with Rico Verhoeven, they are about to receive a serious introduction.
The Dutch superstar isn’t just a kickboxer. He is arguably the greatest heavyweight in GLORY history.
Verhoeven became the GLORY undisputed heavyweight champion back in 2013 and spent over a decade dominating the division. His title reign lasted an incredible 4,418 days, longer than anyone else in promotion history.
That level of dominance does not happen accidentally.
The Dutchman owns a professional kickboxing record of 66 wins and 10 defeats, collecting 21 knockout victories while smashing through elite competition across multiple eras.
He also holds records for:
- Most GLORY title fight wins
- Most successful title defenses
- Longest heavyweight winning streak
- Longest championship reign
Verhoeven is massive at 6-foot-5 and around 269 pounds. He pressures opponents constantly, throws combinations in volume, and possesses genuine stopping power.
And yes, he does have boxing experience.
Back in 2014, Verhoeven made his professional boxing debut, stopping Janos Finfera inside two rounds. However, the opponent entered that bout with a 0-5 record, making it impossible to compare that performance to what awaits him against Usyk.
Tale of the Tape
| Category | Oleksandr Usyk | Rico Verhoeven |
|---|---|---|
| Age | 39 | 37 |
| Height | 6’3” | 6’5” |
| Reach | 78 inches | 77 inches |
| Record | 24-0 | 1-0 (boxing) |
| Nationality | Ukraine | Netherlands |
| Weight Class | Heavyweight | Heavyweight |
Why This Fight Is Different From Fury vs Ngannou
The obvious comparison here is Tyson Fury vs Francis Ngannou.
Ngannou shocked the world in 2023 by dropping Fury and pushing him to a controversial split decision despite entering as a massive underdog.
That result changed how fans view crossover fights forever.
But this matchup feels different.
Ngannou possessed freakish one-punch power and Fury entered that fight looking distracted and underprepared. Usyk, meanwhile, is arguably the most disciplined heavyweight in boxing.
There are also major technical differences between MMA striking and kickboxing striking.
Verhoeven’s style relies heavily on:
- Leg kicks
- Clinch control
- Wide stances
- Combination pressure
None of those advantages fully translate into a boxing ring.
Under pure boxing rules, Usyk gains a huge tactical edge immediately.
Usyk vs Verhoeven Betting Odds
According to BC.Game, Oleksandr Usyk enters this fight as an overwhelming betting favorite.
| Market | Odds |
|---|---|
| Oleksandr Usyk to Win | 1.05 |
| Rico Verhoeven to Win | 10.0 |
| Over 5.5 Rounds | 1.87 |
| Under 5.5 Rounds | 1.87 |
| Fight Goes Distance – Yes | 5.2 |
| Fight Goes Distance – No | 1.14 |
The odds tell the story clearly.
Oddsmakers fully expect Usyk to dominate.
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How Rico Verhoeven Can Cause Problems
Despite the massive odds gap, writing Verhoeven off completely would be dangerous.
This man has spent over a decade fighting elite heavyweight killers under bright lights. He understands pressure, timing, and physical warfare better than almost anyone.
Verhoeven’s size could also create awkward moments early.
He will likely start aggressively, using forward pressure and physicality to test Usyk’s reactions. If he can rough Usyk up in close exchanges and land heavy shots before the champion settles into rhythm, things could briefly become uncomfortable.
And remember — heavyweight boxing only needs one clean punch.
That possibility always exists.
Why Oleksandr Usyk Should Still Dominate
The problem for Verhoeven is simple.
He is stepping into the ring with one of the most intelligent boxers alive.
Usyk has seen every style imaginable across both cruiserweight and heavyweight divisions. He adapts faster than almost anyone in modern boxing.
Once Usyk starts reading Verhoeven’s rhythm, the openings should appear quickly.
The southpaw angles. The footwork. The constant feints. The pressure through movement rather than brute force.
That combination becomes exhausting for inexperienced boxers to handle.
Over 12 rounds, Usyk’s experience edge is simply overwhelming.
Verhoeven may survive early exchanges through toughness alone, but surviving and winning are completely different conversations.
Oleksandr Usyk vs Rico Verhoeven Final Prediction
This fight is fascinating because of the names involved.
One fighter is a modern boxing icon.
The other is arguably the greatest heavyweight kickboxer ever.
But under boxing rules, the advantages swing massively toward Usyk.
Verhoeven’s toughness, size, and aggression should make the opening rounds entertaining. Expect him to push forward aggressively and try to impose himself physically.
However, once Usyk settles into range and begins controlling distance, the gap in boxing experience should become painfully obvious.
The Ukrainian champion is simply too polished, too smart, and too technically complete.
We expect Usyk to break Verhoeven down systematically before forcing a stoppage midway through the fight.
Prediction: Oleksandr Usyk wins by KO/TKO in rounds 4-6
The BC.Game market on under 5.5 rounds at 1.87 also looks extremely tempting for bettors expecting an early finish.
Whatever happens, “Glory in Giza” promises pure chaos, elite-level spectacle, and another unforgettable chapter in combat sports crossover history.
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