Oleksandr Usyk, who has not stepped into the ring since his fifth‑round knockout of Daniel Dubois at Wembley in July, is set to defend his WBC heavyweight crown against a kick‑boxer at the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt.
The contest with Rico Verhoeven on 23 May, billed as “Glory in Giza”, will mark the first championship bout staged in Egypt, CuriosityNews reports, and will be broadcast live.
Verhoeven, a 36‑year‑old Dutch heavyweight, holds a 66‑10 record with 21 knockouts in kick‑boxing, has previously sparred with Tyson Fury and fought once as a professional in 2014, winning by knockout.
“I have great respect for athletes who reach the pinnacle of their discipline,” Usyk said. “Rico belongs to that group – a powerful competitor and a true champion. He is the king of kick‑boxing. Holding a belt is only part of being a champion. I am prepared and eager to meet him in the ring. It will be a singular experience for both of us, and a major night lies ahead.”
The twice‑undisputed heavyweight champion Usyk, who possesses the WBA, WBC and IBF belts, has recorded six victories in four years, including two wins each over Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury and Daniel Dubois. He relinquished his WBO title in November rather than face Fabio Wardley, the 31‑year‑old British heavyweight.
“I spent twelve years as the undisputed heavyweight kick‑boxing champion and achieved every goal I set,” Verhoeven added. “Remaining at the summit for that long only heightened my hunger. Usyk is the undisputed champion in boxing. That is the sort of test that drives me. Undisputed versus undisputed. The best against the best.”
Wardley, who will defend the WBO belt against Dubois on 9 May in Manchester, expressed disappointment at the development. “I don’t see this as a genuine challenge or a worthy opponent,” he told Sky Sports. “But I understand that Usyk is at a stage in his career where he can choose his fights. He has earned the right to take a less demanding bout.”
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