Usyk vs Verhoeven Tips - WBC Heavyweight Title at the Pyramids
Oleksandr Usyk defends the WBC heavyweight title against kickboxing legend Rico Verhoeven at the Pyramids of Giza on 23 May. Usyk is a massive 1/16 favourite.
The Giza Necropolis, Egypt, provides a once-in-a-generation backdrop as Oleksandr Usyk puts his WBC heavyweight championship on the line against Dutch kickboxing king Rico Verhoeven on Saturday 23 May 2026. Usyk (24-0) is history's undisputed heavyweight champion. Verhoeven, dominant in GLORY kickboxing for over a decade, steps into the squared circle for what is essentially his first high-profile boxing contest at world level. Bookmakers have installed Usyk at 1/16: a near-certainty price: while Verhoeven is available at 8/1, per Box.Live's odds tracker.
- Usyk (24-0) is the most accomplished heavyweight champion of the modern era: Verhoeven's boxing credentials are unproven at elite level
- Verhoeven has 12kg on Usyk and genuine knockout power, calling his own shot with confidence in pre-fight interviews
- An outdoor fight at the Pyramids of Giza is spectacle first: but Usyk's defensive mastery should neutralise Verhoeven's best weapon
The Pick Card
Odds from Betway and WSB. 18+ only. T&Cs apply.
| Selection | Bookmaker | Odds | Stake | Operator CTA |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oleksandr Usyk to Win | Betway | @1.06 | 5 Units | Visit Betway |
| Usyk Win by Points Decision | WSB | @2.00 | 2 Units | Visit WSB |
Fight Preview
Verhoeven has been refreshingly honest in pre-fight promotion, telling interviewers that a single clean punch on Usyk could end the night: "When I connect with my strongest punch, he will definitely go down. There's a 20-kilogram difference in weight," according to Yahoo Sports' fight preview. The assessment is fair: Verhoeven is naturally the heavier man at 253lb (115kg) against Usyk's 227lb (103kg). His problem is landing that punch on a defensive artist with a 198cm reach and 24 unbeaten fights across the full spectrum of world-class opponents.
The Matchroom Boxing card at the Giza Necropolis includes undercard fights from Jack Catterall, Hamzah Sheeraz, and Alem Begic, per Pro Boxing Odds. SA viewers can watch via DAZN from approximately midnight SAST on 23 May, with main event ring walks anticipated around 01:00 SAST on 24 May.
Fighter Tale of the Tape
| Fighter | Record | Height | Weight | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oleksandr Usyk (UKR) | 24-0, 15 KOs | 6'3" | 227lb (103kg) | WBC Heavyweight |
| Rico Verhoeven (NED) | 1-0 (boxing) | 6'5" | 253lb (115kg) | GLORY Heavyweight King |
Location and Spectacle
The Giza Necropolis setting is unique in the history of world boxing. Outdoor title fights at iconic landmarks have historically produced memorable atmospheres, from the Rumble in the Jungle in Kinshasa to the various open-air stadium events in Las Vegas. Usyk vs Verhoeven at the Pyramids takes that tradition to an ancient world heritage site, creating images that will define the event regardless of the outcome.
SA boxing fans can watch on DAZN from approximately midnight SAST on 23 May. The undercard includes Jack Catterall, Hamzah Sheeraz and Alem Begic, making this a full evening of quality boxing from Egypt. The event is produced by Matchroom Boxing under Eddie Hearn's direction and a reliable indicator of production quality and broadcast accessibility.
Verdict
Usyk to win on points is the comfortable play. Verhoeven's power is real but the idea that he lands it cleanly on the most elusive heavyweight champion of the era is fanciful. Back Usyk by decision at @2.00 on WSB for a meaningful return. Visit WSB
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