Get ready for a clash of titans that’s already sparking debates in the combat sports world! Oleksandr Usyk, the undisputed heavyweight boxing champion, is set to defend his WBC title against kickboxing legend Rico Verhoeven on May 23, and the venue? The breathtaking Pyramids of Giza in Egypt. Yes, you read that right—two undisputed champions from different disciplines are about to collide, and it’s as epic as it sounds. But here’s where it gets controversial: Can a kickboxing great truly challenge a boxing superstar in the squared circle? Let’s dive in.
Announced by Ring Magazine on Friday, this matchup is more than just a fight—it’s a battle of disciplines. Usyk, undefeated at 24-0, last stepped into the ring in July 2025, where he knocked out Daniel Dubois in the fifth round to retain his WBA, WBC, WBO, IBO, and The Ring titles, while adding the IBF belt to his collection. Over the past four years, the Ukrainian superstar has dominated the heavyweight scene, securing two wins each over Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua, and Dubois. His resume is flawless, but Verhoeven presents a unique challenge.
Speaking of Verhoeven, the former GLORY kickboxing champion is no stranger to dominance. With an undefeated streak spanning 11 years and 22 fights, he’s a force to be reckoned with. However, his boxing experience is limited—his only professional boxing match was a second-round knockout in Germany back in 2014. After parting ways with GLORY in 2025, Verhoeven flirted with the idea of joining the UFC, even discussing a potential fight against Derrick Lewis at UFC 324. But he ultimately passed on the offer, setting his sights on this unprecedented crossover instead.
And this is the part most people miss: Usyk isn’t just respecting Verhoeven’s kickboxing legacy—he’s acknowledging the hunger that comes with being a champion. “I truly respect people who reach the very top in their sport,” Usyk told Ring Magazine. “Rico is one of them—a powerful athlete and a great champion. Being a champion isn’t just about belts.” Verhoeven echoed the sentiment, stating, “Usyk is the undisputed champion in boxing. That’s the kind of challenge that motivated me. Undisputed versus undisputed.”
But here’s the burning question: Does Verhoeven’s kickboxing prowess translate to boxing success? Or will Usyk’s technical mastery and ring IQ prove too much for the newcomer? This fight isn’t just about belts—it’s about proving which discipline reigns supreme. What do you think? Can Verhoeven pull off the upset, or will Usyk’s boxing dominance prevail? Let us know in the comments—this is one debate you won’t want to miss!
