Usyk Faces Kickboxing Champion
Unified heavyweight boxing champion Oleksandr Usyk will defend his WBC title in May against Rico Verhoeven, a former kickboxing champion, in Egypt. Usyk's undefeated pro record faces a unique challenge as Verhoeven transitions from kickboxing to boxing in a high-profile crossover bout.
Rico Verhoeven, known as the "King of Kickboxing," held the Glory heavyweight title for over a decade, defending it a record 13 times. The 36-year-old Dutchman hasn't suffered a defeat in his own sport in more than 11 years, amassing a kickboxing record of 66 wins and 10 losses. His professional boxing experience, however, is limited to a single bout in 2014, where he scored a knockout victory over Janos Finfera. Despite his limited boxing resume, Verhoeven has trained with top heavyweights, including former champion Tyson Fury. Oleksandr Usyk brings a decorated amateur career, including an Olympic gold medal and a 335-15 record, into his undefeated professional run. He is one of only a few boxers to become the undisputed champion in two weight classes (cruiserweight and heavyweight) in the four-belt era. The fight, branded "Glory in Giza," is a historic event for its location. It marks the first time a boxing world title fight will ever be held in Egypt, taking place at the Pyramids of Giza on May 23. The World Boxing Council (WBC) has officially sanctioned the matchup, allowing Usyk to make a voluntary title defense against a challenger from a different combat sport. This decision has sparked debate, as it bypasses the traditional rankings of boxing contenders. This event follows a modern trend of high-profile crossover bouts, such as Floyd Mayweather vs. Conor McGregor. These matchups often pit the top athlete from one discipline against the best in another, creating a unique spectacle for fight fans.
