Oleksandr Usyk vs. Rico Verhoeven results, updates, highlights as heavyweight boxing king faces kickboxing superstar

Oleksandr Usyk returns to action for the first time in 2026 in a heavyweight title fight with a difference.

Unified and two-time undisputed champion Usyk puts his WBC belt on the line against Rico Verhoeven, a kickboxing superstar who has only competed once previously under the Queensberry Rules.

Now 39, former undisputed cruiserweight king Usyk tipped the scales at a career-high 233.3lbs at Friday's weigh-in, still 25 pounds lighter than Vernhoeven, who has won 66 of his 76 career kickboxing bouts.

Although his IBF and WBA belts are not up for grabs, Usyk will lose both belts should Verhoeven spring an unforeseeable upset and inflict a first career loss on the Ukrainian master. It would rank as no less than the biggest upset in heavyweight history.

On the undercard, Hamzah Sheeraz will aim to become a world champion for the first time when he meets Alem Begic for the vacant WBO super middleweight title. Sheeraz's fellow Briton Jack Catterall takes on 2016 Olympic silver medalist Shakhram Giyasov for the WBA 'regular' welterweight title, with the winner guaranteed a shot at full champion Rolly Romero.

Rising American heavyweight star Richard Torrez Jr. faces a step up in class against Cuba's Frank Sanchez, while Japan's Mizuki Hiruta defends her WBO super flyweight title against power puncher Mai Soliman.

The Sporting News is following the Usyk vs. Verhoeven card, providing live updates and round-by-round coverage of the main event.

Oleksandr Usyk vs. Rico Verhoeven full card results

• Oleksandr Usyk (c) vs. Rico Verhoeven for the WBC heavyweight title
• Hamzah Sheeraz vs. Alem Begic for the WBO super middleweight title
• Jack Catterall vs. Shakhram Giyasov for the WBA (Regular) welterweight title
• Mizuki Hiruta (c) vs. Mai Soliman for the WBO super flyweight title
• Frank Sanchez vs. Richard Torrez Jr.; Heavyweights
• Daniel Lapin vs. Benjamin Mendes Tani; Light Heavyweights
• Basem Mamdouh vs. Jamar Talley; Cruiserweights 

Oleksandr Usyk vs. Rico Verhoeven live updates

Live updates from Usyk vs. Verhoeven: Glory in Giza will appear here once the main card action begins.

Oleksandr Usyk vs. Rico Verhoeven start time

• Date: Saturday, May 23
• Start time: 1 p.m. ET | 10 a.m. PT | 6 p.m. BST
• Main event start time (approx.): 6 p.m. ET | 3 p.m. PT  | 11 p.m. BST
• Location: Pyramids of Giza - Egypt

Where to watch Oleksandr Usyk vs. Rico Verhoeven

• Live Stream: DAZN
• PPV Price: $59.99/£24.99

Oleksandr Usyk vs. Rico Verhoeven will be available on DAZN worldwide.

A DAZN monthly subscription is $20.99 on a 12-month contract or $30.99 month-to-month. The annual subscription is $224.99. Those numbers in the UK are £9.99, £19.99 and £99.99 respectively

The PPV price is $59.99/£24.99. You can also sign up to the DAZN Ultimate package to watch PPV boxing at no extra cost.

DAZN Ultimate is DAZN’s premium subscription tier, which includes a minimum of 12 pay‑per‑view boxing events per year as part of the subscription. That includes major heavyweight bouts such as Usyk vs. Verhoeven, plus over 185 fight nights annually.