Usyk’s Next Fight – Glory in Giza

Ringwalks, Where to Watch & Full Preview:

Updated 28 February 2026, 12:00 GMT

Oleksandr Usyk fights Rico Verhoeven on Saturday, 23 May 2026, at the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt, in a bout dubbed “Glory in Giza”. The fight has been officially announced by the ring magazine on X. Usyk (24-0, 15 KOs) puts his WBC and The Ring heavyweight titles on the line against the Dutch kickboxing legend (1-0 in boxing) in one of the most unusual heavyweight title fights in recent memory. Uysk is currently the number 1 ranked heavyweight champion of the world. The official announcement was made by The Ring Magazine and Turki Alalshikh on 27 February 2026.

UK Fight Time & Details for Usyk vs Verhoeven

– Date: Saturday, 23 May 2026

– Venue: Pyramids of Giza, Giza, Egypt

– UK broadcast start: Midnight BST on DAZN PPV

– Main event ringwalks: Approximately 2:00–3:00 AM BST

– PPV price: £24.99 standalone / Included with DAZN Ultimate subscription

– Belt at stake: WBC Heavyweight Championship, The Ring Heavyweight Championship

– Event name: Glory in Giza – Promotion: Turki Alalshikh / The Ring Magazine

Where is the Usyk vs Verhoeven fight taking place?

The fight takes place at the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt, making it the first world heavyweight title fight ever held in Egypt. The outdoor setting beside one of the world’s most iconic landmarks is a first for combat sports at this level.

The Split Decision’s Prediction

Verhoeven’s size and power is real. He stands at 6ft 5in and around 270lbs, he is physically imposing. However Tyson Fury stands at a similar height and weight in the ring and left a beaten man, twice. Usyk’s footwork, feinting, and ability to neutralise bigger opponents with angles and timing is the best in the heavyweight division. Verhoeven will need to land something significant early, before Usyk settles into his rhythm, or this becomes a boxing lesson, not a fight. Split Decision backs Usyk to win by TKO, rounds 5 – 7.

Keep up to date with all the latest news as fight week approaches.

Usyk vs Verhoeven FAQ

How and when can I watch Usyk vs Verhoeven in the UK?

The card will stream exclusively on DAZN PPV in the UK, with the broadcast set to begin at midnight BST in the early hours of Sunday morning. Given the backdrop alone and a world title fight in front of the Great Pyramids, it’s worth the effort of staying up for UK fans. The official announcement was made by The Ring Magazine and Turki Alalshikh on 27 February 2026.

What titles are on the line in Usyk vs Verhoeven?

Usyk’s WBC heavyweight title and The Ring heavyweight championship are confirmed to be on the line. His IBF and WBA belts may also be at stake but is yet to be confirmed.

Why is Usyk fighting a kickboxer instead of a top heavyweight contender?

Usyk has beaten Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury, and Daniel Dubois twice each. He has exhausted the realistic pool of top heavyweight challengers. Fabio Wardley is tied up in his own mandatory situation, Usyk has opted for a high-profile crossover event rather than a lower-ranked mandatory.

Usyk Recent Fights

– W KO5 vs Daniel Dubois (July 2025, Wembley Stadium, London)

– W UD vs Tyson Fury (December 2024, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia)

– W SD vs Tyson Fury (May 2024, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia)

– W KO9 vs Daniel Dubois (September 2023, Warsaw, Poland)

– W UD vs Anthony Joshua (August 2022, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia)

Usyk is simply the best heavyweight on the planet right now. His most recent performance was a fifth-round knockout of Dubois at Wembley and showed no signs of age-related decline at 39. He’s southpaw, 6ft 3in, with a 78-inch reach, and his movement and ring IQ remain number 1. He is unbeaten across 24 fights and has faced every serious challenger put in front of him.

Rico Verhoeven Boxing Record

– W KO2 vs Janos Finfera (April 2014, Germany) — Professional boxing debut

Rico Verhoeven Recent Kickboxing Record

– W UD vs Artem Vakhitov (June 2025) — 13th GLORY Heavyweight title defense

– Record: 66-10, 21 KOs

Verhoeven’s boxing record needs honest context: one fight, one win, against an opponent who had never won a professional contest. That is the total of his experience in the ring. He stands 6ft 5in with a 78.5-inch reach, and his conditioning is not in question — twelve years as kickboxing’s heavyweight king demands elite fitness. Peter Fury is training him, which is a credible appointment. But the learning curve is steep, and the teacher across the ring is the best in the world.