Heavyweight king Oleksandr Usyk is gearing up for the showdown on Saturday (May 23) against kickboxing star Rico Verhoeven. After the ring spectacle “Glory in Giza”, the decision on a fight against Kabayel is likely to be made.
The next global martial arts highlight is just around the corner. On May 23, the boxing world will look to Egypt in awe: heavyweight world champion Oleksandr Usyk meets kickboxing superstar Rico Verhoeven against the iconic backdrop of the pyramids of Giza. The spectacular boxing event “Glory in Giza” will be broadcast live by DAZN. The undercard of the fight night also promises some exciting duels with three title fights.
Two dominant champions in the ring
Under the title “Glory in Giza”, two dominant champions from different martial arts worlds will clash. Oleksandr Usyk (24-0, 15 knockouts), unbeaten WBC, IBF and WBA (Super) world heavyweight champion, is one of the best pound-for-pound boxers of his generation. Rico Verhoeven, one of the most influential kickboxers of recent years, enters the boxing ring. The long-time “Glory” champion from the Netherlands stands for physicality, punching power and experience at the highest level. Now the 37-year-old is taking on the challenge of professional boxing.
Fight against Kabayel – or lose the title
Despite the unusual constellation in this crossover fight, the duel will be held as a regular WBC heavyweight world championship fight. This has caused criticism in the boxing scene. In addition, calls for a fight between champion Oleksandr Usyk and Agit Kabayel in the fall have recently become louder and louder.
As WBC interim world champion, the German hopeful is clearly eligible for a world championship fight. Accordingly, the focus is also on Giza from his perspective, where Kabayel himself wants to be on site. After the duel with Verhoeven, the 39-year-old Usyk is likely to face a landmark decision: Mandatory fight against the “Leberking” from Bochum or relinquish his WBC title.
Sheeraz against Munich Begic
In the co-main event, super middleweight Alem Begic (29-0-1, 23 knockouts) takes on WBO world champion Hamzah Sheeraz (22-0-1, 18 knockouts). This gives the Munich fighter the chance to be crowned champion on the big stage. Also in the spotlight is the duel between the Brit Jack Catterall (32-2-0, 14 knockouts) and Shakhram Giyasov (17-0, 10 knockouts) from Uzbekistan, who are boxing for the vacant WBA “Regular” welterweight title. In the heavyweight division, Cuban Frank Sanchez (25-1-0, 18 knockouts) meets US hopeful Richard Torrez Jr. (14-0, 12 knockouts). In addition, Mai Soliman (10-1-0, 6 knockouts) from Australia will challenge the undefeated WBO champion Mizuki Hiruta (10-0, 2 knockouts) in the super flyweight division.
Streaming service DAZN will be broadcasting the boxing event “Glory in Giza” live from 4.30 pm with the start of the pre-show. The experienced trio of commentator Uli Hebel and experts Andreas Selak and Bernd Bönte will guide fans through the fight night.
Text: Frank Schwantes