Usyk defends WBC heavyweight title against Verhoeven in Giza

Usyk vs – Oleksandr Usyk puts his WBC heavyweight title on the line against kickboxing heavyweight Rico Verhoeven at the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt as “Glory in Giza” brings boxing’s top stage to one of the world’s most iconic landmarks. Anthony Joshua is in attendance,

Ring walks are coming up, and Egypt is holding its breath in the most visual way imaginable. Rico Verhoeven arrives to entrance music after a build-up that includes his procession—surrounded by a line of pharaohs carrying flaming torches—while the pyramids glow behind him. The walk turns into motion as he sprints into the ring. blowing through the pyrotechnics as if the setting is trying to slow him down.

This is no ordinary fight night. “Glory in Giza” has staged a WBC heavyweight title bout in front of the Pyramids of Giza. bringing a championship moment into a landscape that looks more like a global spectacle than a typical arena. And at ringside. there is star power: Anthony Joshua is among the high-profile names in attendance as Oleksandr Usyk steps into the spotlight with the WBC heavyweight title fight taking centre stage.

Joshua’s presence matters for the next chapter as much as the current one. His comeback is already locked in: he is scheduled to step back into the ring on July 25 against Kristian Prenga in Riyadh. The timing also shapes the talk around bigger names later in the year—most likely Tyson Fury.

For Usyk, the question tonight is sharper than the location. Across his heavyweight run. one debate has followed him for years: does he have a weakness. or is the problem that his style is simply too complete for most heavyweights to solve?. The argument that keeps coming back points to one area—body work. Opponents have occasionally tried to slow him down with sustained pressure downstairs. believing heavier. consistent work in that area is the closest thing to a blueprint for troubling him over 12 rounds.

That discussion has been amplified by a moment from his past. In his fight with Daniel Dubois in 2023, a major controversy flared around a body shot in the middle rounds. Dubois appeared to land a shot that dropped Usyk to the canvas. but the referee ruled it a low blow. triggering a long break in the action and sparking significant debate afterwards about whether the call should have been handled differently. Usyk recovered from that interruption and went on to stop Dubois later in the fight. yet the incident has stayed lodged in conversations—especially when people return to the idea that body shots are the one route to disruption.

There’s another layer to tonight, too: Usyk has talked about not staying forever at the very top. He has made it clear in recent interviews that he doesn’t plan to go on forever in boxing. The idea floated is a short run of a few more big fights. then stepping away while still at or near his peak. The number mentioned has been three—less of a long farewell tour and more of a final stretch focused on meaningful opponents rather than padding out a record.

Even while this fight with Verhoeven is the headline, names already hover around what comes after. It’s believed Usyk is targeting Verhoeven—alongside the winner of the Wardley vs Dubois matchup. which ultimately went to Dubois—and there’s also talk of a potential third fight with Tyson Fury discussed in various circles. Speculation has continued around other big-name heavyweights as part of what would be a final run. including Deontay Wilder and Agit Kabayel.

If Usyk’s future fuels the drama, Verhoeven’s credentials are the reason it isn’t just novelty. Rico Verhoeven has been the dominant force in heavyweight kickboxing for over a decade. building a long reign at the top of GLORY’s heavyweight division since first capturing the title in 2014. His success has been built not only on power. but on discipline. cardio. and composure—traits that have helped him remain a consistent threat in five-round championship fights in a division often defined by early finishes.

He has defended his belt against a wide range of top contenders and former champions. The record includes high-profile fights with Badr Hari. a trilogy that drew massive global attention. and tough defences against heavy hitters like Jamal Ben Saddik and other challengers in GLORY’s heavyweight division. In more recent fights. he has continued to extend his reign—staying active at the top of the sport and fending off the next generation of contenders while remaining the benchmark for heavyweight kickboxing.

That blend of endurance and control is what has made Verhoeven such a long-reigning champion in modern combat sports, defined as much by consistency and durability as by the results themselves.

Bellew’s take on Usyk adds a final edge to the night’s uncertainties. Speaking to DAZN, Bellew said: “Usyk is in his prime right now. No one can touch him. He’s in unbelievable shape; he’s a consummate professional.” Bellew went on to describe Usyk as a disciplined professional who doesn’t swing between weight changes or partying wildly between camps. calling him “the perfect professional.” But the warning came just as sharply: “But don’t get me wrong: every dog has its day. and every fighter has a sell‑by date. We all have our time. Do not overstay your welcome, because it will bite you on the backside.”.

Usyk vs Verhoeven isn’t only a clash of champions—it’s also a collision of question and answer. The body-shot debate lingers because it’s the one route opponents believe can interrupt Usyk’s movement and rhythm over 12 rounds. The Giza stage raises the stakes because it turns a title defence into a statement. with Anthony Joshua already watching from ringside and a promised future in the sport’s biggest heavyweight conversations waiting just beyond this night.

Oleksandr Usyk Rico Verhoeven WBC heavyweight title Pyramids of Giza Glory in Giza Anthony Joshua Kristian Prenga Tyson Fury Daniel Dubois Wardley vs Dubois Deontay Wilder Agit Kabayel DAZN Bellew