Two worlds are set to collide on Saturday, May 23, 2026, at the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt. The world’s best boxer is set to fight the world’s best kickboxer.
The fight pits two world champions in very different disciplines in what will likely be more of an exhibition match than an actual fight. As you would expect, Rico is huge underdog.
That does not mean it will not be entertaining. It probably will be. But the Usyk vs Rico betting odds tell you everything you need to know about how this matchup is viewed inside the combat sports world.
Where and when to watch
The heavyweight boxing clash between Oleksandr Usyk and Rico Verhoeven takes place on Saturday, May 23, 2026, at the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt.
How to watch
United States 🇺🇸
- Platform: DAZN PPV
- Price: $59.99 PPV
- Main card start: approximately 11 a.m. ET / 8 a.m. PT
United Kingdom 🇬🇧
- Platform: DAZN PPV UK
- Price: £24.99
- Main card start: approximately 4 p.m. BST
- Ring walks for Usyk vs Verhoeven expected around 9 p.m. BST
Australia 🇦🇺
- Platform: DAZN Australia
- Expected PPV price: around AU$59.99
- Main card start: approximately 1 a.m. AEST on Sunday, May 24
- Main event expected around 6 a.m. AEST
A mismatch for the ages?
Usyk enters this fight as arguably the greatest heavyweight boxer of his generation. The Ukrainian already became undisputed champion at both cruiserweight and heavyweight. His footwork, ring IQ, timing, and defensive awareness are on another level from almost anyone in combat sports.
Verhoeven, meanwhile, is a legendary kickboxer. There is no debate there. He earned the nickname “King of Kickboxing” for a reason. In a kickboxing match, he would likely dismantle most heavyweights on Earth, including Usyk.
The problem is that this is boxing. Pure boxing. And Verhoeven’s professional boxing résumé consists of one fight more than a decade ago against an opponent with an 0-5 record.
That is why oddsmakers are treating this as a near non-competitive event
Are Usyk’s titles on the line?
Oddly enough, yes and no. Usyk van lose his titles, but Verhoeven cannot win them.
- If Usyk wins, the fight counts as a defense of his WBA heavyweight title.
- However, Verhoeven cannot officially win the belt if he pulls off the upset.
- On the other hand, the IBF has reportedly stated they would vacate their title if Usyk loses.
Usyk vs Rico Odds and predictions
Oleksandr Usyk enters as an overwhelming betting favorite at roughly -3000 (1.03 / 1/33). Rico Verhoeven is sitting as a massive underdog between +1000 and +1400 (11.00 to 15.00 / 10/1 to 14/1).
The more interesting betting market for this fight is the round total rather than the outright winner. Sportsbooks currently have the over/under set at 5.5 rounds. The over sits around +105 (2.05 / 21/20), while the under is priced near -143 (1.70 / 7/10).
That market says a lot about how bookmakers see the fight. Nobody really doubts Usyk wins. The real debate is whether he decides to end things quickly or turns the fight into a technical showcase in front of a global audience.
I lean toward the second scenario. Usyk is too smart not to understand the entertainment aspect of this event. I would not be surprised if he spends several rounds showing off his movement, defense, and timing rather than immediately hunting a finish.
Usyk vs Rico Prediction: Usyk by TKO
Best bet: Over 5.5 rounds at +105 (2.05 / 21/20).
Disclaimer: All predictions are for entertainment purposes only. No picks are guaranteed.
What about the undercard?
The undercard is honestly stronger than the main event. For serious boxing fans, the supporting fights may end up being the real reason to buy the PPV. It includes title fights and a title eliminator.
Hamzah Sheeraz vs. Alem Begic
Hamzah Sheeraz fights undefeated German veteran Alem Begic for the vacant WBO super middleweight title. Sheeraz already turned heads after stopping Edgar Berlanga in five rounds last year and looks like one of boxing’s future stars at 168 pounds.
Jack Catterall vs. Shakhram Giyasov
Jack Catterall faces undefeated Olympic silver medalist Shakhram Giyasov in a high-level welterweight matchup that could easily steal the show.
Frank Sanchez vs. Richard Torrez Jr.
Heavyweights Frank Sanchez and Richard Torrez Jr. meet in an IBF title eliminator. The winner could eventually end up fighting Usyk himself.
Is it worth the PPV price?
For fans of Usyk, absolutely. Watching a technical master operate inside the ring is usually worth the price alone. Even in a mismatch like this, there is entertainment value in seeing how he controls every second of a fight.
For fans hoping for a competitive battle, though, this may disappoint. The skill gap in pure boxing is enormous. Verhoeven deserves respect for stepping into the challenge, but asking a career kickboxer to compete with one of the greatest heavyweight boxers alive is almost impossible.
Still, combat sports fans have always loved spectacles. And few spectacles get bigger than boxing in front of the pyramids.
Yours truly will probably watch the fight from a sports bar, where I don’t have to fork up any hard-earned money for the PPV price.