Unified heavyweight world champion Oleksandr Usyk is back in the ring this weekend to defend his WBC title against kickboxing star turned boxer Rico Verhoeven.
The division has stirred from its slumber in 2026, with the return of Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua ahead of their long-awaited ‘Battle of Britain’. On Saturday, Usyk will look to serve a reminder that he is still the top dog.
The Ukrainian’s undefeated record should be safe in what is a mismatch against Verhoeven, who may be the King of Kickboxing but will box professionally for just the second time this weekend.
Though one punch is all it takes to end a heavyweight bout, the Dutchman is hunting one of the great boxing upsets against Usyk.
The main card also sees British boxer Hamzah Sheeraz aim to unseat WBO super middleweight champion Alem Begic.
The event takes place in the shadow of the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt on Saturday night – with extensive coverage throughout for UK viewers.
Radio Times rounds up everything you need to know about how to watch Usyk v Rico via live stream and TV.
When is Usyk v Rico?
The fight takes place on Saturday 23 May 2026.
TV coverage of Usyk v Rico begins from 6pm UK time on DAZN, while the pair are expected to make their ring walk at 10:48pm.
What channel is Usyk v Rico?
Fans can tune in to watch Usyk v Rico exclusively live on DAZN.
The fight is available on DAZN PPV or for subscribers to DAZN Ultimate.
Fabio Wardley v Daniel Dubois costs £24.99 on DAZN PPV, with a 7-day free trial or a DAZN Standard plan, while DAZN Ultimate costs £24.99 per month on a 12-month contract and includes at least 12 PPV fights at no extra cost.
Watch Usyk v Rico live stream
Fans who sign up to watch the fight on DAZN PPV can choose to enjoy it via a mobile device or cast to their TV for the full big-screen experience.
The service can be streamed through a computer or a mobile device such as a phone or tablet, giving viewers full flexibility to enjoy how you wish.
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Usyk v Ricoodds
In working partnership with the Radio Times,bet365has provided the following betting odds for this event:
bet365 odds: Oleksandr Usyk (1/18) v Rico Verhoeven (8/1)*
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Where is the Usyk v Rico fight?
Oleksandr Usyk faces Rico Verhoeven in front of the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt.
Usyk v Rico undercard
Main card (from 6pm on Saturday 23 May)
- Oleksandr Usyk (c) v Rico Verhoeven – WBC heavyweight title
- Hamzah Sheeraz v Alem Begic – WBO super-middleweight title
- Jack Catterall v Shakhram Giyasov – welterweight
- Frank Sanchez v Richard Torrez Jr – heavyweight
- Mizuki Hiruta (c) v Mai Soliman – WBO super-flyweight title
- Basem Mamdouh v Jamar Talley – cruiserweight
- Mahmoud Mobark v Michael Kalyalya – middleweight
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Authors
Ned is a sports writer at RadioTimes.com. He has covered a host of sports from EFL football, international cricket and golf all the way through to bike polo and triathlon.
