Usyk Faces Verhoeven for WBC Heavyweight Title in 12-Round Giza Main Event

12 articles · Updated · Yahoo Sports · May 22

DAZN set Oleksandr Usyk’s 12-round WBC heavyweight title defense against Rico Verhoeven for about 5:48 p.m. ET on May 23 at the pyramids in Giza, Egypt.
The pay-per-view stream starts at 11 a.m. ET with four preliminary bouts, then shifts to a six-fight main card at 1 p.m. ET available through DAZN’s Ultimate tier or PPV purchase.
Frank Sanchez vs. Richard Torrez Jr. in an IBF heavyweight eliminator and Mizuki Hiruta’s WBO title defense headline the undercard before the main event.
The bout has drawn scrutiny because Verhoeven is a kickboxing star with only one prior pro boxing fight, and only Usyk’s WBC belt is on the line; the WBA title would become vacant if Usyk loses.

Is the Usyk-Verhoeven clash a bold new future for combat sports or a spectacle that undermines boxing's integrity?

With his legacy on the line, what is Usyk’s true motivation for risking it all against a kickboxing star?

Can a kickboxing legend with just one pro bout truly dethrone the undisputed heavyweight boxing king tomorrow?