Oleksandr Usyk will defend his WBC heavyweight title against Dutch kickboxing star Rico Verhoeven on May 23 at the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt, Ring Magazine announced on Friday.

The Ukrainian, a three-time undisputed champion, currently holds the IBF, WBA and WBC belts after vacating the WBO title. The 39-year-old has not fought since his victory over Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium last July.

“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,” said Usyk, who boasts a perfect 24-0 professional record.

“I’m ready and 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.”

The bout, dubbed ‘Glory in Giza’, will be streamed live on DAZN.

Verhoeven, 36, steps into the boxing ring after a decorated kickboxing career. “I spent 12 years as the undisputed heavyweight kickboxing champion and accomplished everything I set out to accomplish,” he told The Ring. “But staying at the top for that long didn’t take away from the hunger — it strengthened it. Usyk is undisputed in boxing. That’s the kind of challenge that motivates me. Undisputed versus undisputed.”

The Dutchman previously sparred with former heavyweight champion Tyson Fury and had one professional boxing bout in 2014, which he won by knockout. He announced his departure from kickboxing last November after compiling 76 fights and 66 victories.

Crossover bouts have become increasingly common in recent years, with Fury and former world champion Anthony Joshua both facing UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou.

Current WBO champion Fabio Wardley, who inherited the belt after Usyk relinquished it and is set to defend it against Dubois in Manchester on May 9, questioned the legitimacy of the matchup.

“I don’t feel like it’s a real, genuine challenge nor someone that deserves the shot,” Wardley told Sky Sports. “But I do understand Usyk is at a point in his career where he’s able to do what he wants. He’s earned the position to take an easier fight.”

The clash at one of the world’s most iconic landmarks promises to blend spectacle with sporting intrigue, as two undisputed champions from different combat disciplines collide under vastly different rules.