Who is Rico Verhoeven, the 'King of Kickboxing' who will fight Oleksandr Usyk for his WBC world heavyweight title at the Egyptian pyramids?
Published 27/02/2026 at 22:15 GMT
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After plenty of speculation as to who Oleksandr Usyk would fight next, the Ukrainian finally announced on Friday that he would step back into the ring to face kickboxing champion Rico Verhoeven. Usyk has not fought since July last year, but in May he returns to defend his WBC heavyweight world title against the 36-year-old Dutchman, who is considered one of the greatest kickboxers of all time.
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Video credit: TNT Sports
Oleksandr Usyk will return to the ring in May to defend his WBC heavyweight title - against kickboxer Rico Verhoeven.
It was announced on Friday that the Ukrainian would put his title on the line against Verhoeven on May 23 in Egypt in a fight which has been billed as 'Glory in Giza'.
The bout will be staged near the pyramids in the Egyptian city.
But who is Verhoeven?
Born and raised in the Netherlands, Verhoeven began practising martial arts at the age of seven, before eventually specialising in kickboxing.
He was introduced to martial arts by his father, who had a karate black belt. After school, his father would take him to the dojo and they would train.
He made his professional debut aged 16, and he went from strength to strength, becoming one of the greatest kickboxers of all time.
And there is a reason his nickname is 'The King of Kickboxing'.
Verhoeven first became the undisputed GLORY heavyweight world champion in 2013, and he remained undefeated for the next 12 years, holding his title for 4,418 days, longer than anyone else in the promotion's history.
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Rico Verhoeven in action against Badr Hari.
Image credit: Getty Images
He eventually stepped away from kickboxing in November 2025 with a record of 60 wins and 10 losses in 70 fights.
And he will end his 12-year absence from boxing, having fought once before, winning by knockout.
"I spent 12 years as the undisputed heavyweight kickboxing champion, and accomplished everything I set out to accomplish," the 36-year-old said. "But staying at the top for that long didn’t take away the hunger, it strengthened it.
"I wasn’t looking for comfort, so I started looking for the highest challenge available in another world. Usyk is undisputed in boxing. That’s the kind of challenge that motivates me. Undisputed versus undisputed. The best facing the best."
Verhoeven has also worked closely with Tyson Fury – who Usyk has beaten twice – and he credits the British boxer for helping improve his jab.
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On the other hand, Usyk (24-0, 15 KOs) has not fought since July last year when he beat Daniel Dubois to earn the title of undisputed heavyweight champion for the second time in his career.
Uysk's statement
"I truly respect people who reach the very top in their sport," Usyk said in a statement. "Rico is one of them - a powerful athlete and a great champion.
"Being a champion isn’t just about belts. It’s about years of hard work, discipline, and belief. I respect his journey - he’s truly the King of Kickboxing.
"But this is boxing - a different game, with its own rules and its own kings. I’m ready and really looking forward to meeting him in the ring. It’s going to be a unique experience for both of us, and I know the fans are excited too. A big night is coming!"
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