Usyk to defend WBC title against kickboxer Verhoeven in Egypt

Oleksandr Usyk's next fight isn't what you might expect.

The world heavyweight champion will defend his WBC title against kickboxer Rico Verhoeven on May 23 at the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt, DAZN and The Ring announced Friday.

The bout with Verhoeven will mark Usyk's first title defense since defeating Daniel Dubois by fifth-round knockout in July 2025. Verhoeven, widely regarded as one of the greatest kickboxers of all time, held the GLORY heavyweight title for more than 11 years before vacating it in November 2025, when his contract with the promotion ended.

"I truly respect people who reach the very top in their sport," Usyk said, according to Martin Domin of The Mirror.

"Rico is one of them - a powerful athlete and a great champion. Being a champion isn't just about belts. It's about years of hard work, discipline, and belief. I respect his journey - he's truly the king of kickboxing. But this is boxing - a different game, with its own rules and its own kings. I'm ready and really looking forward to meeting him in the ring. It's going to be a unique experience for both of us, and I know the fans are excited too. A big night is coming."

Verhoeven has one professional boxing win on his resume, claiming a 2014 victory over Janos Finfera by knockout. The 36-year-old Dutchman said Friday that he doesn't think his limited boxing experience will affect his ability to compete with the undefeated Usyk.

"I spent 12 years as the undisputed heavyweight kickboxing champion and accomplished everything I set out to accomplish," Verhoeven said.

"But staying at the top for that long didn't take away the hunger, it strengthened it. I wasn't looking for comfort, so I started looking for the highest challenge available in another world. Usyk is undisputed in boxing. That's the kind of challenge that motivates me. Undisputed versus undisputed. The best facing the best."