CAIRO (Azat TV) – Rico Verhoeven, the revered GLORY Heavyweight World Champion in kickboxing, is set to make a dramatic foray into professional boxing, challenging unified heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk for his WBC title on May 23 in Egypt. The high-profile bout, dubbed “Glory in Giza,” will unfold against the historic backdrop of the Pyramids of Giza, marking a significant moment for both combat sports and Verhoeven’s career as he transitions into a new discipline for a world championship.
Rico Verhoeven’s Bold Move into Boxing
The announcement confirms swirling rumors that Rico Verhoeven, 36, known for his decade-long undefeated streak and dominant reign in kickboxing, will step into the boxing ring to face one of the sport’s pound-for-pound best. This unexpected matchup has generated considerable buzz, with some fight fans expressing surprise at the selection of a kickboxer for such a prestigious title defense, according to The New York Times. Verhoeven, hailing from the Netherlands, holds an impressive kickboxing record of 66-10 (21 KOs) and has successfully defended his GLORY heavyweight title 13 times over 4,220 days, from 2013 to 2025.
Despite his extensive kickboxing success, Verhoeven’s professional boxing experience is limited to a single bout in 2014, a second-round knockout victory over Janos Finfera (0-6). This stark contrast in experience against a seasoned boxing champion like Usyk underscores the magnitude of the challenge Verhoeven is undertaking. “I spent twelve years as the undisputed heavyweight kickboxing champion and accomplished everything I set out to accomplish,” Verhoeven stated, adding, “But staying at the top for that long didn’t take away from the hunger, it strengthened it. Usyk is the undisputed in boxing. That’s the kind of challenge that motivated me. Undisputed versus undisputed.”
Oleksandr Usyk’s Unconventional Title Defense
Oleksandr Usyk, 39, enters the fight as a formidable opponent, holding the WBC, Ring, IBF, and WBA heavyweight titles. The Ukrainian champion boasts an undefeated professional boxing record of 24-0 (15 KOs) and is widely regarded as one of boxing’s elite. His last outing saw him deliver a comprehensive fifth-round knockout of Daniel Dubois in July, securing his status as only the second man, after Muhammad Ali, to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion. Usyk has also twice defeated top heavyweights Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua since 2021, solidifying his dominance in the division.
Usyk’s decision to face a kickboxer for a voluntary defense has been met with mixed reactions within the boxing community. While some analysts, including Boxingscene.com, suggest it could be a ‘low-risk, high-reward showcase’ for Usyk, others acknowledge the unconventional nature of the fight. There had been discussions about Usyk facing former WBC champion Deontay Wilder or British heavyweight Fabio Wardley, but he ultimately opted for this unique crossover event. Usyk expressed his respect for Verhoeven, stating, “I truly respect people who reach the very top in their sport. Rico is one of them – a powerful athlete and a great champion. Being a champion isn’t just about belts.”
Crossover Fights and the Stakes for Verhoeven
The ‘Glory in Giza’ event draws parallels to the 2023 crossover bout between boxing titan Tyson Fury and MMA heavyweight Francis Ngannou, which saw Ngannou perform surprisingly well. This precedent highlights the potential for a compelling contest, despite Verhoeven’s limited boxing record. For Verhoeven, this fight represents an unparalleled opportunity to transcend his kickboxing legacy and establish himself in the boxing world. A victory would not only be a monumental upset but would also significantly elevate his standing across combat sports. The event will be streamed live on DAZN, ensuring a global audience for this intriguing matchup.
The bout between Rico Verhoeven and Oleksandr Usyk represents a calculated risk for both fighters, but particularly for Verhoeven, whose transition from kickboxing to a world championship boxing match challenges conventional expectations and could redefine his athletic legacy.