Oleksandr Usyk vs Rico Verhoeven: Fight date, venue, undercard and where to watch heavyweight clash

Oleksandr Usyk is set to square off against kickboxing legend Rico Verhoeven in an Egyptian showpiece event.

After considerable flip-flopping from the WBC, the major sanctioning body has confirmed that the green and gold belt will be on the line when the pair collide.

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Verhoeven reigned supreme as the Glory Kickboxing heavyweight champion for 12 years and is widely considered to be one of the best big men in the sport’s history.

However, he has only competed once in traditional gloved boxing.

That sole bout came back in 2014 when he blasted away 0-6 journeyman Janos Finfera in two rounds.

Usyk, on the other hand, is the pound-for-pound best boxer in the world – a distinction he earned by unifying both the cruiserweight and heavyweight divisions.

He became a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion in July with a five-round demolition of Daniel Dubois.

But his decision to reject a WBO mandatory defence against Fabio Wardley for a crossover clash with Verhoeven indicates that his career is winding down.

How to watch Usyk vs Verhoeven

While Usyk vs Verhoeven isn’t expected to be an all-time classic, the May 23 event is sure to be a spectacle.

The heavyweight titans will lock horns in the shadows of the Pyramids of Giza, live on Netflix.

Netflix subscribers will be able to watch the bout with no extra charge on top of their existing membership.

For new customers, plans start at £5.99 per month and go all the way up to £18.99, depending on preferences.

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You can also follow all the action on talkSPORT.com and talkSPORT radio via the talkSPORT app, on DAB digital radio, through your smart speaker and on 1089 or 1053 AM.

Undercard

The full undercard has yet to be confirmed, although a bout between Dmitry Bivol and IBF mandatory, Michael Eifert, is reportedly due to play a supporting role.

What has been said?

Usyk said: “I truly respect people who reach the very top in their sport.

“Rico is one of them – a powerful athlete and a great champion.

“Being a champion isn’t just about belts. It’s about years of hard work, discipline and belief.

“I respect his journey; he’s truly the King of Kickboxing. But this is boxing – a different game, with its own rules and its own kings.

“I’m ready and really looking forward to meeting him in the ring. It’s going to be a unique experience for both of us, and I know the fans are excited too. A big night is coming!”

Verhoeven said: “I spent 12 years as the undisputed heavyweight kickboxing champion and accomplished everything I set out to accomplish.

“But staying at the top for that long didn’t take away the hunger; it strengthened it.

“I wasn’t looking for comfort, so I started looking for the highest challenge available in another world. Usyk is the undisputed champion in boxing.

“That’s the kind of challenge that motivates me. Undisputed versus undisputed. The best facing the best.”