Oleksandr Usyk’s long-awaited return to the ring has been made official.
The Ukrainian superstar was last in action back in July when he stopped Britain’s Daniel Dubois in the 5th round of their historic rematch at Wembley Stadium in London, England.
Usyk had become the first fighter of the ‘four belt era’ to capture the undisputed heavyweight championship on two separate occasions, although he did go on to vacate his WBO crown a few months later to make way for Fabio Wardley to be elevated to full champion.
Whilst it had been suggested that the Ukrainian great was in line to defend his WBC, WBA and IBF titles against Deontay Wilder next, the 39-year-old has decided to go down an entirely different route ahead of his ring return.
As reported on Friday evening, Usyk will now defend his WBC heavyweight title against kickboxing legend Rico Verhoeven.
The event itself is set to take place at the iconic Pyramids of Giza in Egypt on Saturday May 23 with the bout broadcast live on DAZN around the globe.
Legends collide where legends were built 🥊🦂
On May 23rd, under the shadows of the ancient giants, Oleksandr Usyk takes on Rico Verhoeven at the iconic Pyramids of Giza 🔥
Glory in Giza | May 23rd | LIVE on DAZN 📺 pic.twitter.com/mHnLT625Du
— Ring Magazine (@ringmagazine) February 27, 2026
Whilst he has entered what appears to be the final chapter of his decorated professional career, Usyk will be full of confidence heading into his showdown with ‘The King of Kickboxing’.
Verhoeven, who has had just one professional boxing bout to date, will have his sights set on defeating the Ukrainian great and causing one of the biggest upsets that the sport has ever seen.
