Oleksandr Usyk Retains WBC Heavyweight Title with Dominant Unanimous Decision Over Rico Verhoeven at Pyramids of Giza
The historic Pyramids of Giza in Egypt were transformed into a breathtaking open-air boxing arena on May 23, 2026, as Oleksandr Usyk retained his WBC heavyweight title with a masterful unanimous decision (118-110, 117-111, 119-109) over former kickboxing champion Rico Verhoeven. Usyk’s elite footwork, precise jab, and tactical brilliance completely neutralized Verhoeven’s powerful but predictable striking, marking another masterclass from the undisputed king of heavyweight boxing. Aired live on DAZN PPV starting at 8:00 p.m. local time, the fight drew massive global attention, with @DAZNBoxing posting: “Usyk makes it look easy again — the Pyramids belong to the Ukrainian.” The 25,000 fans gathered under the ancient monuments, bathed in dramatic lighting with the Great Pyramid as a backdrop, created one of the most visually stunning events in boxing history.
Fight Overview Usyk vs. Verhoeven headlined the massive DAZN PPV event at the Pyramids of Giza, kicking off at 8:00 p.m. local time after undercard bouts at 5:00 p.m. Slated for around 10:30 p.m., the fight was for Usyk’s WBC heavyweight title: Usyk, 39, defended his belt in a unique open-air spectacle, while 37-year-old Verhoeven made his professional boxing debut after a legendary kickboxing career. Bet365 listed Usyk as a heavy -800 favorite, Verhoeven at +500 as the dangerous kickboxing crossover. X framed it as “boxing IQ vs. kickboxing power,” with @BoxingScene posting: “Usyk’s movement vs. Verhoeven’s size — Giza will remember this.” The 25,000 fans, hyped by the historic venue and cultural ceremonies, created a magical, almost cinematic atmosphere. X polls leaned 82% toward Usyk.
Oleksandr Usyk The 39-year-old from Simferopol, Ukraine, entered with a 23-0 record (14 KOs), southpaw at 6’3″ with a 78-inch reach. The undisputed heavyweight champion averages 6.8 punches per round at 62% accuracy (Compubox), having unified the division in 2024. Training with his longtime team, recent X clips showed him perfecting angles and feints. His elite movement and ring IQ made him the overwhelming favorite, with @DAZNBoxing tweeting: “Usyk is ready to school another giant.”
Rico Verhoeven The 37-year-old from Netherlands, carried a legendary kickboxing record (60-10) with 0-0 in professional boxing, orthodox at 6’5″ with an 80-inch reach. The former Glory heavyweight kickboxing champion lands powerful kicks and punches, but this was his first pro boxing bout. Training with a mixed team for the transition, X footage showed him drilling boxing fundamentals. @DAZNBoxing noted: “Verhoeven’s +500 is size and power value — can he survive Usyk’s boxing?”
The Fight: Round-by-Round Breakdown Round 1: The Pyramids glow as Usyk circles with a piston jab, using movement to frustrate Verhoeven. Rico lands a heavy right at 1:40, but Usyk counters cleanly. Compubox: Usyk 26/42 to Verhoeven’s 18/38. 10-9 Usyk.
Round 2-3: Verhoeven presses in Round 2, landing body shots (22/45). Usyk responds with sharp counters in Round 3 (30/48), reddening Verhoeven’s cheek. Scores 20-18 Usyk.
Round 4-6: Verhoeven traps Usyk in Round 4, landing shorts (24 landed). Usyk outlands 70-60 over 5-6 with angles; Round 6 left hook staggers Verhoeven briefly. 10-9 Usyk each.
Round 7-9: Verhoeven rallies in Round 7, landing a big right at 1:30 (25 landed). Usyk reclaims in 8-9, jabbing relentlessly (42/70). Verhoeven’s eye swells badly. 10-9 Verhoeven Round 7, Usyk 8-9.
Round 10-12: Usyk dominates 10-11 with clean boxing (48/78), avoiding Verhoeven’s power. Final round: Verhoeven swings desperately, but Usyk’s 30 landed seal it. Compubox: Usyk 225/420 (54%) to Verhoeven’s 175/390 (45%). UD for Usyk.
Key Moments and Impact Usyk’s Movement: 225/420 punches (54% accuracy) dictated pace, outlanding Verhoeven throughout. @DAZNBoxing: “Usyk makes heavyweights look slow.” Verhoeven’s Power: 175/390 punches showed kickboxing threat, but 45% accuracy couldn’t close distance. Fan Reaction: The 25,000 chanted “Usyk!” late; X polls 85% predicted his win. Cut Impact: Verhoeven’s eye swelling from Round 8 impaired vision late.
Post-Fight Analysis and Implications Usyk, now 24-0 (14 KOs), declared: “I want the winner of Fury vs. Joshua — I’m still the best.” His defense nets $15M purse, reaffirming his P4P #1 status. Verhoeven, 0-1 in boxing, gracious: “Oleksandr is the greatest boxer I’ve ever faced. Respect.” Stock remains high despite loss. Heavyweight division heats with Usyk still at the top, while Fury, Joshua, Benavidez, and Itauma circle.
Event Context and Giza Atmosphere The card featured several undercard knockouts; 60% stoppages thrilled. Fans hyped by the historic venue and cultural ceremonies; @DAZNBoxing: “Giza delivers magic.” DAZN PPV peaked at 2.8M buys.
What’s Next? Usyk eyes the winner of Fury vs. Joshua in late 2026. Verhoeven likely returns for another high-profile boxing bout. This Pyramids masterpiece reaffirms Usyk as the undisputed king of heavyweight.
On May 23, 2026, Oleksandr Usyk outboxed Rico Verhoeven via unanimous decision, movement retaining WBC gold amid the Pyramids roars. The Ukrainian remains untouchable.
