Vinny's Corner

This Saturday, May 23, 2026, boxing fans will witness a unique spectacle as undisputed heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk defends his WBC title (with complications around other belts) against kickboxing legend Rico Verhoeven in “Glory in Giza.” The fight takes place at the iconic Pyramids of Giza in Egypt, blending ancient history with modern combat sports drama.

This crossover bout pits one of boxing’s most technically gifted champions against a dominant striker transitioning from kickboxing. While Usyk enters as a massive favorite, the size, power, and novelty of Verhoeven make it an intriguing matchup.

Breaking Down the Fighters

Oleksandr Usyk (24-0, 15 KOs)

• Age: 39
• Height/Reach: 6’3” / 78”
• Stance: Southpaw
• Background: Olympic gold medalist (2012) and former undisputed cruiserweight champion, Usyk has dominated the heavyweight division. He defeated Anthony Joshua (twice), Tyson Fury (in a unification), and most recently stopped Daniel Dubois.

Usyk’s style relies on elite footwork, ring IQ, southpaw angles, and slick counterpunching. He uses movement to frustrate orthodox opponents, sets up combinations with a sharp jab, and breaks foes down systematically over distance. His defense is excellent, and he has proven power, especially to the body. At 39, questions linger about durability and speed, but his recent performances show few signs of decline.

Rico Verhoeven (Boxing: 1-0, 1 KO; Kickboxing: ~66-10)

• Age: 37
• Height/Reach: 6’5” / ~78-82”
• Stance: Orthodox
• Background: “The King of Kickboxing” dominated GLORY’s heavyweight division for over a decade with multiple title defenses. He’s a powerful, technical striker with strong kicking game, but this is essentially his second pro boxing match.

In boxing, Verhoeven brings significant size and reach advantages, raw power, and pressure. His kickboxing experience translates to good hands and conditioning, but limited glove experience (one quick KO win) leaves big question marks on pure boxing defense, footwork against southpaws, and adapting to no-kick rules.

Fight Analysis

This is a classic boxer vs. striker clash with a massive experience gap. Usyk has over 200 professional boxing rounds; Verhoeven has a handful. Usyk’s southpaw stance will complicate Verhoeven’s orthodox attacks, and his superior movement should allow him to evade power shots while picking Verhoeven apart.

Key Factors:

• Usyk’s Advantages: Footwork, ring generalship, experience, and technical boxing. He excels at wearing down bigger men (see Joshua fights) and counters effectively. Expect body work and angles to neutralize Verhoeven’s size.
• Verhoeven’s Advantages: Height/reach, physical strength, and one-punch power. If he can close distance and land heavy shots early, chaos is possible in heavyweight boxing. His pressure could test Usyk’s chin and legs.
• Potential Scenarios: Usyk likely controls the fight with movement and volume, targeting the body to slow Verhoeven. Verhoeven may have early success with aggression but could gas or get outclassed as the fight progresses. A stoppage in the mid-to-late rounds favors Usyk; going the distance is possible if Verhoeven survives the early storm.

Belt situation adds intrigue: Usyk defends the WBC, the IBF has stated that if Usyk loses the belt will be vacated.

Official Pick: Oleksandr Usyk by TKO (rounds 6-8). The skill and experience gap is too wide for Verhoeven’s limited boxing pedigree to overcome, despite his size and power. This should be a dominant showcase for Usyk, though Verhoeven’s power demands respect. No heavyweight fight is truly safe.

Where to Watch

The event streams live exclusively on DAZN PPV worldwide. Main card starts around 6pm BST / 1pm ET, with ring walks ~10pm BST / 5pm ET. Prices vary by region (e.g., ~$59.99 USD or £24.99 GBP; bundles or Ultimate tier options available). No traditional TV broadcast—DAZN app or website required.

Undercard Highlights (subject to change):

• Hamzah Sheeraz vs. Alem Begic (vacant WBO super-middleweight title)
• Jack Catterall vs. Shakhram Giyasov (welterweight title bout)
• Frank Sanchez vs. Richard Torrez Jr. (heavyweight)
• Mizuki Hiruta vs. Mai Soliman (women’s WBO super-flyweight title).

“Glory in Giza” promises spectacle, history, and high-level action. Usyk is expected to prevail, but in the land of the Pharaohs, anything can happen. Tune in for what could be a memorable night in boxing.

By Vincent

Photo courtesy of Ring Magazine