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Usyk trades heavyweight crowns for Giza showdown

ESPN General •
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Oleksandr Usyk stunned the London crowd in July 2025, delivering a knockout finish against Daniel Dubois with a left hook and overhand right that ended the bout in the fifth round. The victory capped a flawless 24‑0 record, including wins over Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua and Dubois, and cemented his status as the sport’s top pound‑for‑pound fighter and electrified fans worldwide.

Usyk will trade gloves for kicks on Saturday, headlining a DAZN‑produced spectacle at the Pyramids of Giza against kickboxing legend Rico Verhoeven. He describes the event as a Hollywood‑style show, noting the historic backdrop and the lucrative purse. With no credible heavyweight challenger and a secure financial position, the bout offers low risk and high reward for the 39‑year‑old champion.

Usyk’s résumé now includes Olympic gold, undisputed cruiserweight titles and two heavyweight crowns, making him the first male boxer to achieve three‑time undisputed status in the four‑belt era. Analysts argue he could retire anytime, yet he chooses to fight for enjoyment rather than necessity. The Giza showdown solidifies his legacy while demonstrating that a champion can dictate his own exit.