Usyk vs Verhoeven: Oleksandr Usyk defends heavyweight titles against Rico Verhoeven in DAZN crossover fight

Oleksandr Usyk will defend his heavyweight world titles against kickboxing champion Rico Verhoeven in a DAZN crossover fight at the Pyramids of Giza on Saturday, with the Dutch challenger seeking one of boxing’s biggest upsets.

GIZA, Egypt —
Oleksandr Usyk will defend his heavyweight world titles against Rico Verhoeven in a high-profile crossover boxing event broadcast globally on DAZN Boxing beneath the Pyramids of Giza on Saturday. The undefeated Ukrainian enters the contest as the overwhelming favourite despite weighing in at a career-high 16st 9lb (106kg), still significantly lighter than Verhoeven, who will compete in only his second professional boxing match. The bout, sanctioned by the WBC, has intensified debate within boxing over crossover fights involving elite athletes from other combat sports entering world-title contests with limited professional boxing experience.

Rico Verhoeven targets historic upset against Usyk

Verhoeven, 37, is regarded as one of kickboxing’s most dominant heavyweight champions after holding the Glory heavyweight title for more than a decade. The Dutch fighter has insisted his size, strength and experience under pressure could trouble Usyk despite widespread scepticism surrounding his chances.

“When I land my best punch on him, of course he will go down,” Verhoeven said during the build-up to the fight. Verhoeven acknowledged the challenge posed by stepping into elite-level boxing but argued his years competing at the highest level of kickboxing had prepared him psychologically and physically for the contest. BBC Sport reported that actor Jason Statham helped introduce Verhoeven to Saudi boxing promoter Turki Alalshikh during the Saul “Canelo” Alvarez versus Terence Crawford event in Las Vegas last year, helping pave the way for the fight.

Oleksandr Usyk remains overwhelming favourite

Usyk, 39, is unbeaten in 24 professional fights and is widely regarded as one of boxing’s leading pound-for-pound fighters after unifying titles at both the cruiserweight and heavyweight levels. The Ukrainian said he was approaching the fight seriously despite Verhoeven’s limited professional boxing experience.

“I’m not relaxed, and this is not easy money. This is a fighter,” Usyk said after the weigh-in. Analysts and former fighters have overwhelmingly backed Usyk to win comfortably, pointing to his superior technical ability, championship experience and success against larger heavyweight opponents, including Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua. Former world champion Richie Woodhall said Verhoeven’s size could create problems only if the Dutchman remained tactically disciplined and avoided reckless exchanges.

Crossover boxing debate intensifies ahead of DAZN fight

The fight has generated wider debate over whether crossover contests are reshaping professional boxing into a more entertainment-driven sport. Critics argue Verhoeven should not receive an immediate heavyweight title opportunity with only one previous professional boxing bout, while supporters say elite combat athletes from other disciplines can bring fresh audiences and unpredictability to the sport.

Promoter Eddie Hearn described the event at the Pyramids of Giza as a potentially historic spectacle capable of drawing global attention to boxing in the Middle East and North Africa region. The contest also continues boxing’s recent trend of crossover events involving MMA and kickboxing figures, following high-profile appearances by Francis Ngannou and Conor McGregor in boxing-related promotions.

Heavyweight division implications remain significant

The fight will count as a defence of Usyk’s WBA “super” heavyweight title and WBC championship, although BBC Sport reported Verhoeven would not be eligible to claim the IBF belt if he wins. Victory for Usyk would preserve expected heavyweight clashes involving Tyson Fury, Daniel Dubois and Anthony Joshua later in 2026. A Verhoeven victory, however, would rank among the most significant upsets in heavyweight boxing history and dramatically alter the division’s immediate future.

How to watch Usyk vs Verhoeven

The fight is scheduled to take place beneath the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt and will be broadcast globally on DAZN Boxing. UK coverage is expected to begin from 4pm BST (3pm GMT) on Saturday.