Oleksandr Usyk vs Rico Verhoeven undercard in full: Running order and stars in action before main event

Oleksandr Usyk makes his return to the ring this weekend under the most unique circumstances.

Unified WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight champion Usyk is defending all three of his belts against Dutch kickboxing legend and ex-Glory heavyweight champion Rico Verhoeven.

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The fight takes place at the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt, offering several exciting pugilists the chance to steal the show before the heavyweight titans collide.

Undefeated British talent Hamzah Sheeraz has the chance to claim world title honours for the first time in his career, having moved up in weight for his last victory against Edgar Berlanga.

The 26-year-old was fresh off a controversial draw in a WBC middleweight title clash against Carlos Adames, which many members of the boxing fraternity believed he lost.

Sheeraz faces fellow unbeaten yet untested German Alem Begic in the chief support act on a card that also has Lancashire’s Jack Catterall making his return against Shakhram Giyasov

Ringwalks for the main event, billed as Glory in Giza, are scheduled for 10.48pm BST (5.48pm ET / 2.48pm PT).

Coverage of a five-fight undercard will, however, be broadcast on DAZN before that.

Usyk vs Verhoeven: Undercard and running order

Subject to change

Live on DAZN

• Hamzah Sheeraz vs Alem Begic – Vacant WBO Super-middleweight title 9.42pm BST (4.42pm ET / 1.42pm PT)
• Jack Catterall vs Shakhram Giyasov – Welterweight 8.39pm BST (3.39pm ET / 12.39pm PT)
• Frank Sanchez vs Richard Torrez Jr – Heavyweight 7.37pm BST (2.37pm ET / 11.37am PT)
• Mizuki Hiruta vs Mai Soliman – WBO Super-flyweight title 6.53pm BST (1.53pm ET / 10.53am PT)
• Daniel Lapin vs Benjamin Mendes Tani – Light-heavyweight 6pm BST (1pm ET / 10am PT)

Prelims

• Basem Mamdouh vs Jamar Talley – Cruiserweight
• Sultan Almohammed vs Dedy Imprax – Lightweight
• Omar Hikal vs Ali Sserunkuma – Welterweight
• Mohamed Mabrouk Yehya vs Michael Kalyalya – TBC

talkSPORT and talkSPORT.com will be across all things Usyk vs Verhoeven in the build-up to fight night, right through to the conclusion of the main event.

talkSPORT’s Adam Catterall will be live for a Fight Night special on Saturday from 9pm-12am BST (4pm-9pm ET / 1pm-4pm PT).

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Usyk vs Verhoeven undercard: What has been said?

Ahead of his IBF Final Eliminator with Sanchez, Torrez Jr joined talkSPORT Boxing to preview the clash.

The fight was originally scheduled for March 28, but Sanchez pulled out with a knee injury.

Torrez explained that the fight being rescheduled for the undercard of Usyk vs Verhoeven was actually a blessing in disguise.

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“I was kinda upset and a little discouraged that my eight-week camp got shoved away,” Torrez explained.

“And then a week later, I find out I have the opportunity to fight in front of the Pyramids, which is incredible.

“And the fact that I have such a long and extensive training camp, it could be for the benefit, because this is one of the biggest cards I’ve ever been on.

“I’m ecstatic for this opportunity and I’m just taking it in stride.”

Torrez Jr also revealed he’s now teamed up with Terence Crawford’s lifelong trainer, Bo Mac.

Catterall, meanwhile, who faces Giyasov for the WBA regular world title, has told Matchroom Boxing how he’s relishing the opportunity ahead.

“This fight came out of the blue, but what an opportunity to get this title,” Catterall said.

“Camp’s been good. Good sparring, good work in the gym, strength, track, everything.

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“We puzzled it together well.”

He added: “This is a big opportuntiy for me in the WBA regular world title.

“Very grateful for the opportunity, but also super confident going out there and securing it.”

Boxing schedule

For all the upcoming fights and results this year, check out talkSPORT.com’s  boxing schedule.