The highly anticipated match between Ukrainian boxer Oleksandr Usyk and Dutch kickboxing champion Rico Verhoeven, known as the 'king of kickboxing', is confirmed to be taking place at the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt on May 23. This event has caught the attention of the combat sports community and is expected to be broadcast on DAZN, showcasing a collaboration between the boxing magazine 'The Ring' and Saudi event management company Sela. Usyk, who is the heavyweight champion, will defend his World Boxing Council (WBC) title during this event.

Usyk, aged 39, last fought in July 2025 where he achieved a knockout victory against British fighter Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium, adding to his impressive collection of titles, including those from the World Boxing Association (WBA), WBC, World Boxing Organization (WBO), and International Boxing Organization (IBO). This upcoming fight marks a significant moment for Usyk as he continues to solidify his legacy in professional boxing while representing Ukraine on an international stage.

On the other hand, Verhoeven, 36, has established himself as a dominant figure in kickboxing, having held the heavyweight title. This fight signifies not only a clash of two amazing athletes from different combat sports but also highlights the growing interest in hosting major sporting events in Egypt, particularly at historic venues. The implications of this match could resonate throughout both boxing and kickboxing circuits, potentially paving the way for further collaborative events in the region, which seeks to become a hub for global sports entertainment.