TLDR
- Oleksandr Usyk will fight kickboxing champion Rico Verhoeven on May 24 at the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt
- Usyk is switching from boxing to kickboxing rules for this cross-sport matchup
- Verhoeven is a four-time kickboxing heavyweight champion with a 64-10 record
- Experts compare the challenge to Tyson Fury’s upset of Wladimir Klitschko, but say this is harder
- A major fight announcement is expected for the undercard as a deal has been agreed
Sources: talkSPORT | ESPN | Odds Shark
Undisputed heavyweight boxing champion Oleksandr Usyk will step into unfamiliar territory when he faces kickboxing legend Rico Verhoeven on May 24. The cross-sport matchup will take place at the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt under kickboxing rules.
Usyk currently holds all four major boxing championship belts at heavyweight. The Ukrainian fighter defeated Tyson Fury twice in 2024 to cement his place as the top heavyweight in boxing.
However, this upcoming fight presents an entirely different challenge. Verhoeven is a four-time Glory Kickboxing heavyweight champion with a professional record of 64 wins and 10 losses.
Kickboxing legend Rico Verhoeven looking electric on the pads with Peter Fury ⚡
The former Glory heavyweight champion looks to shock the world against Oleksandr Usyk this spring ⚔️
Glory in Giza | May 23rd | Live on DAZN 🥊 pic.twitter.com/WVrpdvgVnP
— Ring Magazine (@ringmagazine) March 5, 2026
Expert Opinions on the Matchup
Peter Fury, a respected boxing trainer, has spoken about the massive task facing Usyk. He compared the situation to when Tyson Fury upset Wladimir Klitschko in 2015, considered one of boxing’s biggest upsets.
According to Fury, Usyk would need an even bigger upset to defeat Verhoeven in kickboxing than that historic result. The difference in sport and ruleset puts Usyk at a clear disadvantage against a kickboxing specialist.
Verhoeven has dominated Glory Kickboxing for years and knows how to use kicks, knees, and elbows that are illegal in boxing. Usyk will need to adapt to defending and potentially using techniques he has never employed in professional competition.
Odds makers have released betting lines for the fight. While specific numbers vary, the odds reflect Verhoeven’s experience advantage in his own sport.
The Pyramids of Giza location adds a historic backdrop to this unusual sporting event. The ancient monuments will serve as the setting for a fight that brings together two combat sports worlds.
Undercard Takes Shape
Organizers are building a strong card to support the main event. According to reports, a major fight for the undercard is set to be announced soon.
A deal has been agreed for this undercard bout, though names have not been officially released yet. The addition should help draw more attention to the already unique event.
Usyk’s decision to take this fight raises questions about his boxing future. He could potentially face other heavyweight contenders or move to different challenges after this kickboxing experiment.
The Ukrainian champion has never shied away from tough competition throughout his career. He moved up from cruiserweight, where he was also undisputed champion, to conquer the heavyweight division.
Verhoeven represents a different kind of test entirely. The Dutchman has defended his kickboxing title multiple times and rarely loses in his sport.
The May 24 date gives Usyk several months to prepare for kickboxing rules. He will need to work with specialists who understand the sport’s techniques and strategies.
Ticket information and broadcast details for the event at the Pyramids of Giza have not been fully announced. The historic venue can accommodate a large crowd for the spectacle.
The undercard fight deal represents the latest development in building out the full event card for May.
