Ali Akbar Rosady
GIZA, EGYPT – The stage is set for a compelling cross-sport spectacle as Rico Verhoeven, the undisputed king of kickboxing, officially weighed in 25.4 pounds heavier than unified WBC heavyweight boxing champion Oleksandr Usyk at Friday’s official weigh-ins for Saturday’s "Glory in Giza" boxing event. The significant physical disparity underscores a classic boxing narrative of size versus skill, as Verhoeven tipped the scales at a formidable 258.7 pounds, while Usyk, renowned for his technical brilliance, registered 233.3 pounds. Usyk’s prestigious WBC heavyweight title will be on the line in what is billed as one of the most intriguing matchups of the year.
The main event, scheduled to take place against the iconic backdrop of the Egyptian pyramids, pits two titans of combat sports against each other under Queensberry rules. While Verhoeven brings a massive physical presence and an unparalleled kickboxing pedigree, Usyk enters the ring as a highly decorated boxer, having carved out an impeccable professional record and solidified his status as one of boxing’s pound-for-pound elite. The traditional head-to-head staredown between the two combatants following the weigh-ins offered a visual representation of the stark size difference, with Verhoeven towering over the Ukrainian champion.
Oleksandr Usyk, 38, enters this contest with a pristine professional boxing record of 24 wins and no losses (24-0), a testament to a career marked by relentless pursuit of excellence and historic achievements. His journey to the pinnacle of the heavyweight division began in the cruiserweight ranks, where he achieved undisputed status, unifying all four major world titles (WBC, WBA, IBF, WBO) in the division. His transition to heavyweight was met with skepticism by some, given his relatively smaller stature compared to the division’s giants. However, Usyk meticulously adapted his nuanced southpaw style, relying on exceptional footwork, high-volume punching, and superior ring IQ to overcome physical disadvantages.
His heavyweight tenure has been nothing short of spectacular, featuring legacy-defining victories that have cemented his place in boxing history. Usyk first dethroned Anthony Joshua in September 2021 to claim the WBA, IBF, WBO, and IBO heavyweight titles, then decisively defeated him again in their August 2022 rematch. He followed these triumphs by outclassing Tyson Fury in a historic unification bout, and in his most recent outing in July 2025, Usyk successfully defended his unified status against Daniel Dubois, securing a fifth-round knockout victory. This string of performances has solidified his position as boxing’s No. 1 heavyweight, a status he claimed by consistently outmaneuvering and out-thinking opponents who often held significant weight and reach advantages, including Fury, who presented an even larger physical challenge than Verhoeven. Usyk’s training camps are meticulously planned, often focusing on enhancing his already formidable cardiovascular endurance, agility, and the precise execution of his offensive and defensive maneuvers, making him a complex puzzle for any opponent.
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On the opposing side stands Rico Verhoeven, 36, arguably the greatest kickboxer of his generation. Verhoeven’s professional kickboxing record stands at an impressive 61-10-1, but his boxing experience is minimal, with a record of 1 win and no losses (1-0). This bout marks his first return to the boxing ring since 2014, when he secured a second-round knockout over Janos Finfera in a four-round contest. Verhoeven is best known for his dominant reign as the Glory Kickboxing heavyweight champion, a title he held for over 11 years, making him the longest-reigning champion in the promotion’s history. His reign included numerous successful title defenses against elite contenders such as Badr Hari (twice) and Jamal Ben Saddik, showcasing his formidable power, iron chin, and tactical prowess within the kickboxing realm.
Verhoeven’s kickboxing style is characterized by relentless pressure, powerful leg kicks, strong body shots, and a disciplined approach that often wears down opponents. While his boxing fundamentals are solid for a kickboxer, the transition to pure boxing requires a significant shift in technique, particularly regarding footwork, head movement, and punch selection, without the option of kicks or knees. His recent departure from Glory Kickboxing as a free agent, following a successful title defense against Artem Vakhitov this past June, has opened the door for this high-profile boxing venture. Verhoeven now seeks to add an unprecedented chapter to his unassailable legacy by attempting to upset arguably the pound-for-pound best boxer in the world. His training for this bout has reportedly focused intensely on boxing-specific drills, sparring with professional boxers, and adapting his powerful physique to the unique demands of a boxing match, aiming to leverage his substantial weight and reach advantage.
The 25.4-pound weight difference between Verhoeven and Usyk is a critical factor that could influence the dynamics of the fight. While Usyk is accustomed to fighting larger men, Verhoeven’s natural heavyweight frame and power could present a different kind of challenge. Verhoeven will likely aim to utilize his size to cut off the ring, impose his strength in clinches, and land heavy, fight-ending blows. Usyk, conversely, will rely on his signature movement, angles, and relentless punching volume to frustrate Verhoeven, negate his power, and pick him apart over the championship rounds. The fight is not only a clash of styles but also a test of how effectively a dominant kickboxer can translate his formidable attributes into the nuanced world of professional boxing against its reigning elite. The historical significance of the event being held in Giza, Egypt, adds another layer of grandeur to an already compelling narrative.
Beyond the highly anticipated main event, the "Glory in Giza" card features a lineup of intriguing boxing matchups. The co-main event will see rising British middleweight star Hamzah Sheeraz (167.9 lbs) take on the tough Alem Begic (166.9 lbs) in what promises to be an explosive contest. Sheeraz, known for his aggressive style and knockout power, will look to continue his ascent in the division. Another notable clash features Jack Catterall (146.8 lbs) against Shakhram Giyasov (145.7 lbs) in a super lightweight encounter, with both fighters aiming to solidify their positions as contenders. Heavyweight action continues with Frank Sanchez (240.4 lbs) facing Richard Torrez Jr. (229.5 lbs), a battle of power and precision. The main card also includes Mizuki Hiruta (114.7 lbs) vs. Mai Soliman (114 lbs) in a flyweight bout, and Daniel Lapin (173.8 lbs) vs. Benjamin Mendes Tani (174.4 lbs) in the light heavyweight division.
The preliminary card, broadcast on MMA Fighting, will commence at 11 a.m. ET, featuring emerging talents and local prospects. These include Basem Mamdouh (192.8 lbs) against Jamar Talley (197.7 lbs), Sultan Almohammed (127.8 lbs) versus Deny Impart (125.7 lbs), Mahmoud Moubarek (138.9 lbs) facing Ali Sserunkuma (141.5 lbs), and Omar Hikal (161.1 lbs) taking on Michael Kalyalya (160.2 lbs).
The main card for "Glory in Giza" is scheduled to begin at 1 p.m. ET, available live on DAZN PPV, promising a full day of high-stakes boxing action culminating in the historic heavyweight showdown between Oleksandr Usyk and Rico Verhoeven.
Usyk vs. Rico Weigh-in Results:
Main Card (DAZN PPV at 1 p.m. ET)
- Oleksandr Usyk (233.3 lbs) vs. Rico Verhoeven (258.7 lbs)
- Hamzah Sheeraz (167.9 lbs) vs. Alem Begic (166.9 lbs)
- Jack Catterall (146.8 lbs) vs. Shakhram Giyasov (145.7 lbs)
- Frank Sanchez (240.4 lbs) vs. Richard Torrez Jr. (229.5 lbs)
- Mizuki Hiruta (114.7 lbs) vs. Mai Soliman (114 lbs)
- Daniel Lapin (173.8 lbs) vs. Benjamin Mendes Tani (174.4 lbs)
Preliminary Card (MMA Fighting at 11 a.m. ET)
- Basem Mamdouh (192.8 lbs) vs. Jamar Talley (197.7 lbs)
- Sultan Almohammed (127.8 lbs) vs. Deny Impart (125.7 lbs)
- Mahmoud Moubarek (138.9 lbs) vs. Ali Sserunkuma (141.5 lbs)
- Omar Hikal (161.1 lbs) vs. Michael Kalyalya (160.2 lbs)
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