Usyk will fight kickboxer Verhoeven
28 February 05:34
WBC, WBA, and IBF heavyweight world champion Oleksandr Usyk has announced his next fight. The Ukrainian will enter the ring against Dutch kickboxer Rico Verhoeven. This was announced byTurki Al-Ash-Sheikh, head of the General Entertainment Authority in Saudi Arabia, according to "Komersant Ukrainian".
The fight is scheduled for May 23 and will take place in Giza (Egypt) — against the backdrop of the world-famous pyramids.
At stake is the WBC heavyweight title.
The WBC title, currently held by Usyk, will be at stake in the fight. For the Ukrainian, this will be another defense of his championship belt.
Usyk last entered the ring in July 2025, when he knocked out Britain’s Daniel Dubois in the fifth round.
Who is Rico Verhoeven
Rico Verhoeven is one of the world’s most famous heavyweight kickboxers. His achievements include
- a kickboxing record of 66 wins and 10 losses;
- 12 years as Glory promotion champion;
- since 2014, he has consistently topped the rankings of the world’s best heavyweight kickboxers;
- one fight each in professional boxing and MMA.
Despite his vast experience in kickboxing, this will be a special challenge for Verhoeven in the professional boxing format.
What Usyk said about his opponent
In a comment for The Ring, Usyk emphasized that he respects his opponent’s achievements.
“I sincerely respect people who achieve the highest results in their sport. Rico is one of them, he is a strong athlete and a great champion… But boxing is a different game, with its own rules and its own kings,” said the Ukrainian.
According to Usyk, spectators can expect a “grand evening” and a unique sporting experience.
Organization of the fight
It is reported that the fight is being organized by Turki Al-Sheikh, one of the most influential figures in world boxing.
The fight in Giza will be one of the most spectacular sporting events of the year, given the location and status of the athletes.
What to expect from the fight
The confrontation between Usyk and Verkhoven is a clash between two different schools:
- classical technical boxing;
- powerful and aggressive kickboxing style.
Experts note that the main intrigue will be Verhoeven’s adaptation to the rules of professional boxing and Usyk’s long-range work.
