In what promises to be one of the most intriguing events of the year, Oleksandr Usyk will face Rico Verhoeven at the Pyramids of Giza on May 23.
A heavyweight battle will take place in one of the most iconic venues in the world, with three title fights on the card.
– How Jason Statham helped Rico Verhoeven in his fight against Oleksandr Usyk
Here’s everything you need to know before the fight.
When is Oleksandr Usyk vs. Rico Verhoeven?
Oleksandr Usyk will face Rico Verhoeven on Saturday, May 23. The fight will take place at the Giza Necropolis, in front of the archaic Pyramids of Giza, just outside Cairo, Egypt.
Who is Rico Verhoeven?
Rico Verhoeven is a Dutch kickboxing champion who held the GLORY heavyweight title for over a decade and was undefeated since 2015. He trains under Peter Fury, Tyson’s uncle.
Verhoeven is a powerful 6-foot-7, 270-pound athlete who has dominated his sport for years. He has also been involved in the film industry, appearing in several action films, and most recently worked on this film
How to watch Oleksandr Usyk vs. Rico Verhoeven in the UK
The fight will be broadcast live on British television DAZN in the pay-per-view system
ESPN will also provide live coverage of the event and the latest fight week news.
Time in the ring for Oleksandr Usyk and Rico Verhoeven
Ring tour hours have not been announced. However, the main card is expected to go live around 5pm BST. Cairo is an hour ahead of BST.
What is at risk?
Usyk will put his WBC heavyweight title on the line, giving Verhoeven a chance to become world heavyweight champion. Although Usyk is still the unified heavyweight champion who also holds the WBA and IBF belts, these fights will not take place on May 23.
Undercard Oleksandr Usyk vs. Rico Verhoeven
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Title fight: Oleksandr Usyk vs. Rico Verhoeven, 12 rounds, for Usyk’s WBC heavyweight title
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Title fight: Hamzah Sheeraz vs. Alem Begic, 12 rounds, for vacant WBO super middleweight title
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Title fight: Jack Catterall vs. Shakhram Giyasov, 12 rounds, for vacant WBA welterweight title
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Frank Sanchez vs. Richard Torrez Jr., 10 rounds, heavyweight
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Title fight: Mizuki Hiruta vs. Mai Soliman, 10 rounds, for Hiruta’s WBO women’s junior bantamweight title
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Basem Mamdouh vs. Jamar Talley, 6 rounds, cruiserweight