Unified heavyweight boxing champion Oleksandr Usyk will defend his WBC title against renowned kickboxer Rico Verhoeven on Saturday, May 23, at the legendary Pyramids of Giza in Egypt. This historic bout, set against the backdrop of one of the world’s most iconic landmarks, will air live on DAZN.
Usyk, a former undisputed cruiserweight champion, steps into the ring with a 24-0 record, including 15 wins by knockout. After capturing the undisputed heavyweight crown with a decisive victory over Daniel Dubois in July 2025, Usyk has spent nearly a year away from competition.
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Verhoeven, known as “The King of Kickboxing,” reigned as the GLORY Kickboxing Heavyweight Champion for an impressive 12 years, successfully defending his title 13 times. Widely regarded as one of the greatest heavyweights in kickboxing history, Verhoeven now turns his attention to boxing, aiming to etch his name in history by capturing the heavyweight world championship.
Here is the estimated ring walk time for Oleksandr Usyk vs. Rico Verhoeven main event.
More: Oleksandr Usyk vs. Rico Verhoeven fight at the pyramids: Predictions, odds
When does Oleksandr Usyk vs. Rico Verhoeven start?
The main event between Oleksandr Usyk and Rico Verhoeven headlines a stacked 10-fight card, kicking off at 10 a.m. ET on Saturday, May 23. Fans can look forward to an action-packed lineup, with five bouts scheduled before the featured Usyk vs. Verhoeven showdown. While the main card is set for noon ET, exact timing may vary depending on the length of the preceding fights. The official start time for Usyk vs. Verhoeven is slated for 5:48 p.m. ET, but the duration of the other fights will impact when Usyk and Verhoeven actually start.
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Oleksandr Usyk vs. Rico Verhoeven how to watch
The Oleksandr Usyk vs. Rico Verhoeven event will be broadcast live on DAZN:
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Time: Noon ET, main card starts
Oleksandr Usyk vs. Rico Verhoeven full card
Main card
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Oleksandr Usyk vs. Rico Verhoeven, WBC heavyweight title
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Hamzah Sheeraz vs Alem Begic, vacant WBO super-middleweight title
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Jack Catterall vs Shakhram Giyasov, welterweight
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Frank Sanchez vs Richard Torrez Jr., heavyweight
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Mizuki Hiruta vs Mai Soliman, WBO super-flyweight title
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Daniel Lapin vs Benjamin Mendes Tani, light heavyweight
Prelims
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Basem Mamdouh vs Jamar Talley, cruiserweight
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Sultan Almohammed vs Dedy Imprax, lightweight
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Omar Hikal vs Ali Sserunkuma, welterweight
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Mohamed Mabrouk Yehya vs Michael Kalyalya
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Oleksandr Usyk vs. Rico Verhoeven start time
