Unified champion Oleksandr Usyk confirmed his upcoming May 23 bout in Egypt against kickboxing star Rico Verhoeven, framing the contest as a personal choice late in his career. Usyk stated he wants to "do what I want" rather than follow mandatory obligations, even putting the WBC world title on the line against the boxing novice. This decision draws considerable criticism given the disparity in professional boxing experience between the two men.

Verhoeven, a decorated kickboxer with 66 wins in that discipline, has only one professional boxing match on his record—a 2014 stoppage victory over an opponent who had never won professionally. Conversely, the 39-year-old Usyk enters the fight undefeated across 24 bouts and holds Olympic gold. Organisers maintain the spectacle will proceed at a unique venue near the pyramids of Giza despite geopolitical concerns.

Usyk reiterated his intention to face the winner of Wardley versus Dubois next, followed by a trilogy with Tyson Fury, though he suggested he would step aside for a Fury-Joshua undisputed fight, predicting 'AJ wins'. Verhoeven, who previously sparred with Fury, insisted the fight was conceived as undisputed versus undisputed, viewing the event as particularly special for his career crossover attempt.

This unusual defence pits one of boxing’s elite against a combat sports legend seeking a final personal challenge before settling established heavyweight business. The spectacle promises significant global attention precisely because of the mismatch critics perceive.