Oleksandr Usyk set to defend WBC title in May against prolific crossover star

The king of boxing's heavyweight division returns to the ring on May 23 as Oleksandr Usyk will defend his WBC world title against former kickboxing champion Rico Verhoeven in Egypt, live worldwide on DAZN.

Usyk and Verhoeven's upcoming bout, dubbed "Glory in Giza," was announced on Friday by His Excellency Turki Alalshikh and Ring Magazine and will take place live at the famous pyramids in the Egyptian city.

The unique setting matches the unparalled nature of the fight, pitting boxing's current heavyweight ruler against one of the most prolific kickboxers of all time, with Verhoeven having held the Glory heavyweight title longer than anyone else in the promotion's history.

Verhoeven returns to boxing after a 12-year absence, and he meets the undefeated Usyk (24-0, 15 KOs) with gold on the line.

“I truly respect people who reach the very top in their sport. Rico is one of them — a powerful athlete and a great champion," Usyk said in a statement. "Being a champion isn’t just about belts. It’s about years of hard work, discipline, and belief. I respect his journey — he’s truly the King of Kickboxing.

"But this is boxing — a different game, with its own rules and its own kings. I’m ready and really looking forward to meeting him in the ring. It’s going to be a unique experience for both of us, and I know the fans are excited too. A big night is coming!”

Verhoeven (1-0, 1 KO) acknowledged the challenge he has put in front of himself, and he is betting on himself against the two-weight undisputed boxing champion.

“I spent twelve years as the undisputed heavyweight kickboxing champion and accomplished everything I set out to accomplish," Verhoeven said. "But staying at the top for that long didn’t take away the hunger, it strengthened it.

"I wasn’t looking for comfort, so I started looking for the highest challenge available in another world. Usyk is undisputed in boxing. That’s the kind of challenge that motivates me. Undisputed versus undisputed. The best facing the best.”

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