In a surprise move, unified heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk will put his WBC title on the line against an unconventional challenger - kickboxer Rico Verhoeven. The bout, dubbed "Glory in Giza," will take place at the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt on May 23. This will be Usyk's first fight since stopping Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium in July.
According to reports, Verhoeven, a former kickboxing champion, will be stepping into the boxing ring for the first time since 2014. The 36-year-old Dutch heavyweight has an impressive record in kickboxing, but this will be his first foray into professional boxing. Usyk, who is unbeaten in his 24 professional bouts, expressed respect for Verhoeven's achievements in kickboxing, but emphasized that boxing is a different sport.
"I truly respect people who reach the very top in their sport," Usyk said. "Rico is one of them - a powerful athlete and a great champion. But this is boxing - a different game, with different rules and requirements."
Meanwhile, in the world of rugby league, York Knights continued their impressive start to the Super League season with a shock win over Hull FC. The promoted team, playing in their first Super League season, followed up their opening-round win over champions Hull KR with a 19-18 victory over Hull FC. David Nofoaluma scored two tries on his debut, and Ben Jones-Bishop added another to help build a 16-10 lead. Danny Richardson's drop-goal proved decisive, as York held off a late rally from Hull FC.
In other Super League action, Castleford Tigers routed Huddersfield, while Wolves and Aston Villa played out a goalless draw in the Premier League, thanks in part to a spectacular save by Wolves goalkeeper Jose Sa, who denied Douglas Luiz's acrobatic effort.
The unique matchup between Usyk and Verhoeven has generated significant interest, with many fans and pundits questioning the decision to pit a boxer against a kickboxer. However, Usyk's willingness to take on an unconventional challenger is a testament to his confidence and skill in the ring.
As the boxing world waits with bated breath for the "Glory in Giza" bout, fans of rugby league and football will be keeping a close eye on the ongoing seasons, with York Knights and Castleford Tigers looking to build on their impressive starts.
Sources:
- "Usyk to defend title against kickboxer in Egypt" (BBC Sport)
- "Promoted York claim another shock win as drop-goal sinks Hull FC" (BBC Sport)
- "Castleford rout Huddersfield as York edge Hull FC - Super League round-up" (BBC Sport)
- "Sa stops Luiz's acrobatic effort to keep score level!" (BBC Sport)
- "Usyk to face kickboxer at Pyramids of Giza in May" (BBC Sport)
In a surprise move, unified heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk will put his WBC title on the line against an unconventional challenger - kickboxer Rico Verhoeven. The bout, dubbed "Glory in Giza," will take place at the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt on May 23. This will be Usyk's first fight since stopping Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium in July.
According to reports, Verhoeven, a former kickboxing champion, will be stepping into the boxing ring for the first time since 2014. The 36-year-old Dutch heavyweight has an impressive record in kickboxing, but this will be his first foray into professional boxing. Usyk, who is unbeaten in his 24 professional bouts, expressed respect for Verhoeven's achievements in kickboxing, but emphasized that boxing is a different sport.
"I truly respect people who reach the very top in their sport," Usyk said. "Rico is one of them - a powerful athlete and a great champion. But this is boxing - a different game, with different rules and requirements."
Meanwhile, in the world of rugby league, York Knights continued their impressive start to the Super League season with a shock win over Hull FC. The promoted team, playing in their first Super League season, followed up their opening-round win over champions Hull KR with a 19-18 victory over Hull FC. David Nofoaluma scored two tries on his debut, and Ben Jones-Bishop added another to help build a 16-10 lead. Danny Richardson's drop-goal proved decisive, as York held off a late rally from Hull FC.
In other Super League action, Castleford Tigers routed Huddersfield, while Wolves and Aston Villa played out a goalless draw in the Premier League, thanks in part to a spectacular save by Wolves goalkeeper Jose Sa, who denied Douglas Luiz's acrobatic effort.
The unique matchup between Usyk and Verhoeven has generated significant interest, with many fans and pundits questioning the decision to pit a boxer against a kickboxer. However, Usyk's willingness to take on an unconventional challenger is a testament to his confidence and skill in the ring.
As the boxing world waits with bated breath for the "Glory in Giza" bout, fans of rugby league and football will be keeping a close eye on the ongoing seasons, with York Knights and Castleford Tigers looking to build on their impressive starts.
Sources:
- "Usyk to defend title against kickboxer in Egypt" (BBC Sport)
- "Promoted York claim another shock win as drop-goal sinks Hull FC" (BBC Sport)
- "Castleford rout Huddersfield as York edge Hull FC - Super League round-up" (BBC Sport)
- "Sa stops Luiz's acrobatic effort to keep score level!" (BBC Sport)
- "Usyk to face kickboxer at Pyramids of Giza in May" (BBC Sport)