Boxing fans around the world will turn their attention to one of the sport’s most unique settings when Oleksandr Usyk defends his heavyweight crown against Rico Verhoeven on Saturday, May 23, 2026. The highly anticipated showdown takes place at the iconic Pyramids of Giza in Egypt and will stream live globally on DAZN Pay-Per-View.
The event combines a championship-level main event with a stacked undercard featuring title fights and heavyweight matchups, making it one of the most anticipated combat sports events of the year.
Oleksandr Usyk will put his WBC heavyweight title on the line against Rico Verhoeven in a crossover battle expected to draw worldwide attention.
When is Oleksandr Usyk vs. Rico Verhoeven?
- Date: Saturday, May 23, 2026
- Main card start time: 12:00 p.m. ET
- Expected main event ring walks: Around 5:00 p.m. ET
- Location: Pyramids of Giza
The historic Egyptian backdrop adds another layer of intrigue to what is already one of boxing’s biggest events of the year.
How to watch Oleksandr Usyk vs. Rico Verhoeven
Fans can watch the event live worldwide through DAZN’s premium offerings:
- Live Stream: DAZN
- Viewing Options: DAZN Pay-Per-View and DAZN Ultimate Tier
- Coverage: Worldwide live broadcast
Subscribers should check local availability and pricing details in their region before fight night.
Oleksandr Usyk vs. Rico Verhoeven full fight card
Main Event
- Oleksandr Usyk (C) vs. Rico Verhoeven — WBC Heavyweight Championship
Co-Main and Featured Bouts
- Hamzah Sheeraz vs. Alem Begic — Vacant WBO Super Middleweight Title
- Jack Catterall vs. Shakhram Giyasov — Vacant WBA Welterweight Title
- Frank Sanchez vs. Richard Torrez Jr. — Heavyweight
- Mizuki Hiruta (C) vs. Mai Soliman — WBO Female Super Flyweight Title
- Basem Mamdouh vs. Jamar Talley — Cruiserweight
- Mahmoud Mobark vs. Michael Kalyalya — TBA
- Omar Hikal vs. Ali Sserunkuma — Welterweight
Why this fight stands out
The matchup represents a rare crossover spectacle featuring one of boxing’s most technically gifted champions against one of combat sports’ most accomplished kickboxing stars. Beyond the fighters themselves, the Pyramids of Giza setting creates a massive stage that could become one of the most memorable visual backdrops in modern boxing history.
With championship belts on the line and several major fights featured throughout the card, May 23 is shaping up to be a significant date on the combat sports calendar.