Combat sports is heading to one of the most iconic locations on Earth.
On May 23, the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt will host “Glory in Giza,” a major crossover combat sports event headlined by undefeated heavyweight boxing champion Oleksandr Usyk and GLORY kickboxing legend Rico Verhoeven.
The event will stream live globally on DAZN and is already being promoted as one of the most visually unique fight cards of 2026.
With world title fights, undefeated contenders, Olympic-level talent, and the backdrop of the ancient pyramids, “Glory in Giza” is aiming to become far more than a normal boxing card.
What Is “Glory in Giza”?
“Glory in Giza” is a large-scale combat sports event taking place in Egypt on May 23, blending championship boxing, crossover appeal, and global spectacle into one card.
The centerpiece is the heavyweight showdown between boxing champion Oleksandr Usyk and kickboxing superstar Rico Verhoeven.
The event stands out because of both the location and presentation. Rather than taking place in a traditional arena, the fights will unfold near the world-famous Pyramids of Giza, giving the card a massive international feel before the opening bell even rings.
For combat sports fans, it is one of the rare events where the venue itself becomes part of the attraction.
Why Is Usyk vs Verhoeven So Interesting?
The matchup brings together two champions from different combat sports backgrounds.
Oleksandr Usyk enters the fight unbeaten at 24-0 and widely regarded as one of the best pound-for-pound boxers of his era. The Ukrainian heavyweight built his reputation through elite movement, conditioning, technical precision, and ring IQ.
Across from him stands Rico Verhoeven, one of the most dominant heavyweight kickboxers in GLORY history.
Verhoeven’s transition into boxing immediately creates intrigue because of his size, striking experience, composure, and years competing at the highest level of combat sports.
Still, boxing specialists know the challenge ahead is enormous.
Usyk is considered one of the smartest heavyweights in modern boxing, and many fans are curious to see whether Verhoeven’s kickboxing pedigree can translate against elite-level boxing movement and timing.
Why the Pyramids of Giza Make This Event Different
Combat sports has always thrived on atmosphere, but “Glory in Giza” pushes that idea even further.
The Pyramids of Giza are among the most recognizable landmarks in the world, and hosting a major fight event there instantly separates this card from the standard stadium or arena setup.
The visual alone could make this one of the most memorable combat sports broadcasts of the year.
It also reflects how modern fight promotions are increasingly building destination events that blend sports, tourism, entertainment, and global streaming audiences together.
Hamzah Sheeraz Returns in Massive Co-Main Event
The co-main event features one of boxing’s fastest-rising names.
Undefeated British contender Hamzah Sheeraz faces Alem Begic for the vacant WBO Super Middleweight title.
Sheeraz enters the fight with major momentum following his knockout victory over Edgar Berlanga and continues to build a reputation as one of boxing’s future stars.
A strong performance in Egypt could elevate him even further into the global spotlight.
Heavyweight Clash Adds More Firepower to the Card
Another major attraction on the card is the heavyweight bout between Frank Sanchez and unbeaten Olympic silver medalist Richard Torrez Jr..
Torrez remains one of America’s most talked-about heavyweight prospects, while Sanchez brings experience, patience, and technical skill into the matchup.
For hardcore boxing fans, this may quietly be one of the best fights on the entire card.
Full “Glory in Giza” Fight Card
Main Event
- Oleksandr Usyk vs Rico Verhoeven
Co-Main Event
- Hamzah Sheeraz vs Alem Begic
Featured Main Card Fights
- Jack Catterall vs Shakhram Giyasov
- Frank Sanchez vs Richard Torrez Jr.
- Mizuki Hiruta vs Mai Soliman
- Daniel Lapin vs Benjamin Mendes Tani
Preliminary Card
- Basem Mamdouh vs Jamar Talley
- Sultan Al-Mohamed vs Dedy Imprax
- Omar Hikal vs Michael Kalyalya
- Mahmoud Mobark vs Ali Sserunkuma
Could “Glory in Giza” Become One of 2026’s Biggest Combat Sports Events?
It certainly has the ingredients.
A crossover heavyweight main event. Multiple world title fights. Unbeaten contenders. Olympic talent. Global streaming distribution. And one of the most recognizable locations in the world serving as the backdrop.
Whether fans tune in for the spectacle, the boxing, or curiosity surrounding Verhoeven’s challenge against Usyk, the event has already positioned itself as one of the most talked-about combat sports cards of the year.
And under the lights of the Pyramids of Giza, combat sports could deliver another unforgettable moment.
