Usyk VS Rico: WBC Unveils One of the Most Impressive Belts of the Year
On May 23, one of the most anticipated combat sports events of the year will take place in Egypt, near the legendary Giza Pyramids — a showdown between world heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk and kickboxing legend Rico Verhoeven. Ahead of the event, the World Boxing Council (WBC) officially unveiled the exclusive “King of the Nile” championship belt.
Who is Rico Verhoeven?
Rico Verhoeven is a Dutch kickboxing superstar, longtime GLORY heavyweight champion, and one of the most recognizable figures in modern combat sports. For years, Verhoeven has dominated the world of kickboxing and is widely considered one of the greatest heavyweight fighters in the history of the sport, earning the nickname “The King of Kickboxing.”
The clash with Usyk has already generated massive global attention, as it brings together two elite athletes from different combat disciplines — professional boxing and kickboxing.
“King of the Nile”
The newly presented “King of the Nile” belt immediately became one of the standout highlights of the upcoming event. Its design is fully inspired by Ancient Egyptian culture and the symbolism of the Nile River.
The central plate features a gold-themed design with the iconic WBC logo and the inscription “King of the Nile.” Around it are the flags of various countries, symbolizing the international spirit of the World Boxing Council and global boxing itself.
Particular attention is drawn to the Ancient Egyptian symbols incorporated into the belt’s design.
Among the key elements are the golden scarabs placed on both sides of the central plate. In Ancient Egyptian culture, the scarab symbolized strength, rebirth, protection, and constant forward movement.
Another notable detail is the Eye of Horus, visible on the side plate of the belt. In Egyptian mythology, this symbol represented protection, victory, and divine power.
At the top of the central plate sits the winged solar disk — a symbol of authority and power in Ancient Egypt. The geometric ornaments and colorful details surrounding the center are styled after Egyptian temples and traditional ancient patterns.
The belt’s color scheme also deserves special attention. The dark green base combined with gold elements and bright decorative accents gives the belt a premium and collectible appearance.
WBC has long been known for creating special themed belts for major international events. The “King of the Nile” belt continues that tradition and will become one of the symbols of the spectacular boxing night near the Giza Pyramids — one of the most iconic locations in the world.
