Usyk to Defend WBC Title vs Verhoeven in Egypt

Oleksandr Usyk will defend his WBC heavyweight title against kickboxing veteran Rico Verhoeven on May 23 at the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt, in a bout that has sparked widespread criticism for sidelining the division's mandatory challenger. The event, promoted by Turki Alalshikh, features a stacked undercard with three world title fights and several prospects in action, highlighting a mix of established contenders and emerging talents.

The main event pits the Ukrainian champion, who has unified the heavyweight division, against Verhoeven, a former Glory Kickboxing kingpin with limited boxing experience, including just one professional bout in 2012. The WBC granted Usyk permission for this voluntary defense, allowing him to pursue a planned three-fight retirement schedule that includes Verhoeven first, followed by the winner of the May 9 WBO title clash between Fabio Wardley and Daniel Dubois, and a potential third bout with Tyson Fury. Usyk, who has already defeated Fury and Dubois twice each, expressed flexibility on the timeline, stating on his app, "Maybe I will fight Kabayel. Maybe I don't face Tyson Fury for a third time and I fight Kabayel instead. He's a great fighter and...