Find full broadcast details, fighter backgrounds and the stacked undercard for the Usyk v Verhoeven event at the Pyramids of Giza
The clash between Oleksandr Usyk and Rico Verhoeven is set against one of the world’s most iconic backdrops: the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx. Promoted as “Glory in Giza”, this meeting is notable not only for the location but for the matchup itself — a decorated professional boxer defending the WBC heavyweight title against a celebrated kickboxer stepping into a high-profile boxing ring.
The event will take place on May 23, and it merges sporting seriousness with global spectacle, drawing attention from boxing purists, combat-sports fans and casual viewers intrigued by the unusual pairing.
This event will be broadcast live on DAZN, with the main broadcast scheduled to begin at 6pm BST and the principal ringwalks expected at approximately 10:45pm BST.
Access in the UK is available via a Pay-Per-View (PPV) purchase priced at £24.99, while subscribers to the DAZN Ultimate tier can view the card at no extra charge — the promotion has been offered alongside a new introductory pricing option for that tier.
The stream will be available through the DAZN app on smart TVs, mobiles and consoles, making the event widely accessible for viewers wishing to watch live from home.
The fighters: professional pedigree and recent milestones
Oleksandr Usyk arrives as the established boxer in this matchup. His career began to draw attention after Olympic gold, and he climbed the professional ranks with notable victories that included taking the WBO cruiserweight title and later becoming an undisputed cruiserweight champion in 2018 after defeating Murat Gassiev. Usyk moved to heavyweight and recorded key wins over Chazz Witherspoon, Derek Chisora, and a pair of defining fights with Anthony Joshua. Recent achievements highlighted in his record include two wins over Tyson Fury in 2026 and a stoppage of Daniel Dubois in 2026, marking him as a two-time undisputed champion in the four-belt era. Across his professional boxing career he remains undefeated, with a significant number of inside-the-distance victories.
Rico Verhoeven: a kickboxing legend in a boxing ring
Rico Verhoeven is best known for an illustrious career in kickboxing rather than professional boxing. He spent more than a decade as the dominant heavyweight in the Glory promotion, holding the heavyweight title for 11 years and completing 13 successful defences, which established him as one of the sport’s defining figures. His professional boxing résumé is limited — a single recorded boxing bout in 2014 resulting in a second-round knockout — but his striking pedigree and championship experience in kickboxing make this a genuine cross-discipline test. At the official weigh-in he came in heavier than Usyk, with reported numbers around 258.7 lbs compared with Usyk’s 233.3 lbs, a stat that will factor into tactical planning for both camps.
Undercard, titles on the line and other fights to watch
The undercard brings a strong supporting cast and multiple titles to the evening’s bill. A major UK interest comes from Hamzah Sheeraz versus Alem Begić, which is scheduled for the vacant WBO super-middleweight title. Equally significant is Jack Catterall meeting Shakhram Giyasov for the WBA welterweight title. Other notable pairings include Frank Sanchez against Richard Torrez Jr in a heavyweight fight, Mizuki Hiruta challenging Mai Soliman for the WBO women’s junior bantamweight title, and a series of further bouts that round out a deep and varied card. Each contest contributes to the commercial and competitive appeal of the night, giving fans several championship moments before the main event.
Odds, dynamics and what to expect in the ring
Bookmakers installed Usyk as a heavy favourite heading into the fight, with sample odds showing him at around 1/33, a draw at 50/1, and Verhoeven priced near 13/1 (odds from SkyBet at time of publication). Those numbers reflect differences in elite-level boxing experience, tactical nuance and Usyk’s long string of high-level wins. However, the contest is also defined by the contrast in disciplines: Verhoeven brings powerful kickboxing striking and a championship mentality accumulated over many years, while Usyk brings movement, boxing fundamentals and championship seasoning. This cross-discipline matchup will likely hinge on adaptation, distance control and whether Verhoeven can impose physical pressure against Usyk’s technical boxing.
Practical notes and final summary
For fans planning to tune in, remember the event date of May 23 and the DAZN viewing details: main show from 6pm BST, ringwalks around 10:45pm BST, and the UK PPV price of £24.99 with alternative access via the DAZN Ultimate tier. The setting beneath the Great Pyramid and the Sphinx adds a visual flourish to an evening that pairs sport with history. Whether you follow boxing closely or are curious about a rare boxer-versus-kickboxer contest, the card offers several titles and storylines to follow; please view responsibly and note local broadcast access rules and age restrictions where applicable.
