Oleksandr Usyk vs Rico Verhoeven: Andy Ruiz Jr weighs in

On May 23, at the Pyramids of Giza, Oleksandr Usyk vs Rico Verhoeven is set to headline the next Ring fight card for Usyk’s lineal/WBC heavyweight title. The entire card will stream live on DAZN Pay-Per-View. As we build up to Glory in Giza, former unified heavyweight world champion Andy Ruiz recently spoke to Casino.org, breaking down the heavyweight main event.

Oleksandr Usyk vs Rico Verhoeven set to headline in Giza

Usyk (24-0, 15 KOs) will fight for the first time in 2026 against Verhoeven. He hasn’t fought since defeating Daniel Dubois in their rematch, stopping the Brit in round five to become the undisputed heavyweight champion for the second time. 

Verhoeven (1-0, 1 KO) is a decorated kickboxer, having not lost in the discipline since 2015. The Dutch legend has only fought once in boxing, stopping Janos Finfera in the second round.

Oleksandr Usyk vs Rico Verhoeven: Andy Ruiz Jr has his say

Looking at both fighters in the main event, it’s clear why the majority of people are backing Usyk to utilise his exceptional skillset on May 23.

“Usyk should win,” Ruiz Jr. told casino.org. 

“He’s an experienced fighter. He’s the champion. He’s the undisputed heavyweight champion.

“But I heard a lot of people saying for him to be careful against Verhoeven. He’s no joke. 

“I’ve seen a few little videos of him hitting the bag and some fights, but I think Usyk beats him, especially if he’s not using his legs,” added Ruiz Jr.

Usyk vs Verhoeven full fight card

• Oleksandr Usyk vs Rico Verhoeven, 12 rounds, for lineal/WBC heavyweight title
• Hamzah Sheeraz vs Alem Begic, 12 rounds, for vacant WBO super middleweight title
• Shakhram Giyasov vs Jack Catterall, 12 rounds, for vacant WBA “regular” welterweight title
• Frank Sanchez vs Richard Torrez Jr., 12 rounds, IBF heavyweight eliminator
• Mizuki Hiruta vs Mai Soliman, 10 rounds, for Hiruta’s WBO women’s super flyweight title
• Daniel Lapin vs Benjamin Mendes Tani, 10 rounds, light heavyweights
• Basem Mamdouh vs Jamar Talley, 6 rounds, cruiserweights
• Sultan Almohammed vs Dedy Imprax, 4 rounds, lightweights
• Mohamed Mabrouk Yehya vs Michael Kalyala, 4 rounds, middleweights
• Omar Hikal vs Ali Sserunkuma, 4 rounds, welterweights

Stay with Big Fight Weekend for coverage of Usyk vs Verhoeven, including results and video highlights, and post-fight analysis.