Current heavyweight boxing champion Oleksandr Usyk takes on kickboxing legend Rico Verhoeven
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| Oleksandr Usyk and Rico Verhoeven will meet in an iconic cross-combat clash on Saturday(Image: Getty) |
What time does Oleksandr Usyk vs Rico Verhoeven start?
Date and historic venue: The highly anticipated bout between the unified heavyweight king and the kickboxing icon will take place on Saturday, May 23, in front of the ancient Pyramids of Giza. Dubbed the ‘Glory in Giza,’ the event brings the pinnacle of modern combat sports to one of the most iconic ancient wonders of the world.
Championship stakes and titles: Oleksandr Usyk enters the ring as the current WBA, IBF and WBC heavyweight champion, looking to continue his undefeated status against an unconventional but dangerous challenger. The fight is scheduled for 12 rounds under traditional professional boxing rules, with Verhoeven hoping to snatch Usyk's WBC belt.
UK broadcast start time: British fight fans looking to take in all the action can tune into the live broadcast starting at 6pm BST. The early evening start ensures British boxing aficionados can enjoy a full night of international competition leading up to the seismic main event against the stunning Egyptian backdrop.
Approximate ring walk: The headline fight featuring Usyk and Verhoeven is expected to see the fighters make their ring walks at around 10.45pm BST. While the specific timing may change slightly depending on the duration of the undercard bouts, organisers have selected this late-night slot to maximise global viewership and provide an unforgettable atmosphere at the Pyramids.
UK viewing platforms and cost: The whole event will be aired exclusively in the United Kingdom through DAZN Pay-Per-View, meaning fans will have to buy the event digitally on the DAZN app or website via the link at the bottom of this page. The pay-per-view price for this fascinating card has been set at £27.99, though some DAZN Ultimate Tier subscribers may find the event included or discounted as part of their premium membership package.
Rico Verhoeven’s combat pedigree: Verhoeven is making a risky jump to boxing after a legendary run in GLORY Kickboxing, where he defended his heavyweight title for an incredible 11 straight years. Known to combat sports fans as the 'King of Kickboxing,' the Dutchman is famous for his immense cardio and technical precision, though he faces a monumental challenge trying to out-box one of the slickest technicians in heavyweight history.
Key undercard matchups: Before the main event starts, the card delivers serious quality, including a super-middleweight clash between Hamzah Sheeraz and Alem Begic for the vacant WBO title. With top-tier names like Jack Catterall and Frank Sanchez also expected to feature on the undercard, it is a stacked lineup that easily makes the pay-per-view price tag worth it.
Usyk’s career trajectory: This fight is rumoured to be the first leg of a three-fight retirement tour for the 39-year-old Ukrainian, who has already cleared out the cruiserweight and heavyweight divisions with an undefeated record. Having recently beaten Tyson Fury and Daniel Dubois to cement his legacy, Usyk sees this crossover challenge as a way to further expand his global brand while maintaining his status as the pound-for-pound king.
- Tom Sunderland & Kasra Moradi
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