Next weekend, Oleksandr Usyk is set for a unique challenge as he takes on kickboxing icon Rico Verhoeven – at the pyramids of Giza, no less.
The fight will take place under pure boxing rules, as Usyk defends the WBC heavyweight title against the Dutchman, who has boxed just once professionally (but who has long trained under Tyson Fury’s uncle Peter).
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The unbeaten Usyk, 39, is naturally a heavy favourite here, with the bout seen as somewhat of a side quest before the Ukrainian’s next fight, which is expected to be a WBC mandatory title defence.
Oleksandr Usyk (left) facing off with kickboxing icon Rico Verhoeven (Getty)
Still, the unified champion cannot afford to be complacent against Verhoeven, 37, who is one of the greatest strikers that combat sports has ever seen.
Here’s all you need to know:
When is the fight?
Usyk vs Verhoeven will take place on Saturday 23 May at the pyramids of Giza in Egypt. The main card is expected to begin at 6pm BST (10am PT / 12pm CT / 1pm ET), with main-event ring walks following at roughly 10pm BST (2pm PT / 4pm CT / 5pm ET).
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How can I watch it?
The event will stream live exclusively on DAZN pay-per-view around the world. The fight card will cost £24.99 / $59.99, and viewers do not need a DAZN subscription to purchase the event. However, there is plenty of upcoming action on DAZN, with subscriptions available here and starting at £15.99 per month.
Odds
Usyk – 1/25
Verhoeven – 9/1
Draw – 25/1
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Fight card in full
Hamzah Sheeraz (left) is one of the standout talents on the undercard (Getty)
Subject to change; ‘C’ denotes champion
Oleksandr Usyk (C) vs Rico Verhoeven (WBC heavyweight title)
Hamzah Sheeraz vs Alem Begic (vacant WBO super-middleweight title)
Jack Catterall vs Shakhram Giyasov (welterweight)
Frank Sanchez vs Richard Torrez Jr (heavyweight)
Mizuki Hiruta (C) vs Mai Soliman (women’s WBO super-flyweight title)
Basem Mamdough vs Jamar Talley (cruiserweight)
Mahmoud Mobark vs Michael Kalyalya (middleweight)
Omar Hikal vs Ali Sserunkuma (TBC)
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