A New Chapter in Heavyweight History: Usyk VS Rico
The upcoming boxing event in Egypt is already being described as historic. The show will become the first boxing event ever staged against the backdrop of the ancient Egyptian pyramids, as well as the first WBC heavyweight title fight in history to take place on Egyptian soil.
For Rico Verhoeven, this challenge represents the culmination of a lifelong journey in combat sports, which he has practiced since the age of five. The Dutchman is preparing for the fight under the guidance of Peter Fury — uncle of Tyson Fury, who has shared the ring twice with Oleksandr Usyk.
Usyk has long established himself as one of the defining figures of modern boxing. The Ukrainian is the only fighter of the modern era to become the undisputed world champion in both the cruiserweight and heavyweight divisions. Remarkably, Oleksandr captured all of his major titles and achieved his biggest victories outside of Ukraine.
The history of the WBC heavyweight division includes 136 world title fights held across 19 different countries. During that time, only six champions managed to regain their heavyweight championship status after losing it: Muhammad Ali, Mike Tyson, Lennox Lewis, Hasim Rahman, Vitali Klitschko, and Dillian Whyte.
Memorable WBC Heavyweight Fights
Heavyweight boxing has always been the heart of the sport. It is the division where legendary rivalries were born, history was rewritten, and fighters became global icons far beyond the ring itself. From Muhammad Ali and George Foreman to Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury, every era of heavyweight boxing has delivered unforgettable battles that shaped the legacy of the sport.
Ahead of Usyk VS Verhoeven, the WBC looks back at some of the most memorable moments in heavyweight history.
May 18, 2024: Oleksandr Usyk vs. Tyson Fury I. A historic clash in Riyadh that crowned the first undisputed heavyweight champion of the modern era. While Fury controlled the early rounds, Usyk remained committed to his strategy throughout the fight. A devastating left hand in the ninth round shifted the momentum dramatically in the Ukrainian’s favor, and Usyk ultimately secured a split-decision victory.
Winner: Oleksandr Usyk SD 12
October 9, 2021: Tyson Fury vs. Deontay Wilder III. The dramatic conclusion to one of heavyweight boxing’s greatest trilogies. Both fighters were knocked down during a brutal and exhausting war that marked a triumphant chapter in Fury’s career following his return from a severe battle with depression. The fight ended with a spectacular knockout in the eleventh round.
Winner: Tyson Fury KO 11
April 24, 2004: Vitali Klitschko vs. Corrie Sanders. A powerful showdown for the vacant WBC heavyweight title. Vitali displayed tremendous durability, composure, and strength in stopping the dangerous South African, who had previously knocked out Wladimir Klitschko.
Winner: Vitali Klitschko TKO 8
June 21, 2003: Lennox Lewis vs. Vitali Klitschko. A brutal and bloody clash between two heavyweight giants that was stopped prematurely due to a severe cut suffered by Klitschko. The bout marked the final title defense of Lennox Lewis’ legendary career.
Winner: Lennox Lewis TKO 6
September 2, 1995: Frank Bruno vs. Oliver McCall. An emotional night in London, where the British fan favorite finally fulfilled his dream on his third attempt, outboxing the “Atomic Bull” to capture the WBC heavyweight title.
Winner: Frank Bruno UD 12
November 22, 1986: Mike Tyson vs. Trevor Berbick. A historic performance that saw the 20-year-old “Iron Mike” become the youngest heavyweight world champion in boxing history.
Winner: Mike Tyson TKO 2
June 9, 1978: Larry Holmes vs. Ken Norton. A classic 15-round championship battle featuring one of the greatest final rounds in heavyweight history, cementing Holmes’ status as the dominant heavyweight of his era.
Winner: Larry Holmes SD 15
October 1, 1975: Muhammad Ali vs. Joe Frazier III. Known forever as the “Thrilla in Manila,” this unforgettable contest became a brutal war of attrition that pushed both legends to their absolute limits.
Winner: Muhammad Ali TKO 14
October 30, 1974: Muhammad Ali vs. George Foreman. The legendary “Rumble in the Jungle,” where Ali shocked the world by using his famous “rope-a-dope” strategy to reclaim the WBC heavyweight crown.
Winner: Muhammad Ali KO 8
March 8, 1971: Joe Frazier vs. Muhammad Ali. “The Fight of the Century” at Madison Square Garden, where Frazier’s relentless pressure handed Ali the first defeat of his professional career.
Winner: Joe Frazier UD 15
Top 10 WBC Heavyweight Champions
- Muhammad Ali (USA)
- Evander Holyfield (USA)
- Mike Tyson (USA)
- George Foreman (USA)
- Lennox Lewis (Great Britain)
- Joe Frazier (USA)
- Larry Holmes (USA)
- Sonny Liston (USA)
- Vitali Klitschko (Ukraine)
- Ken Norton (USA)
Greatest Fighters from Ukraine
- Oleksandr Usyk
- Vasiliy Lomachenko
- Vitaliy Klitshcko
- Wladimir Klitshcko
Heavyweight Fights Organized by Turki Alalshikh and Sela
His Excellency Turki Alalshikh, Chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority, in partnership with Sela, has fundamentally transformed modern boxing by organizing massive mega-events under the Riyadh Season banner.
Below are some of the most notable heavyweight fights featured during Riyadh Season:
“Battle of the Baddest” (October 28, 2023 — Riyadh)
Tyson Fury vs. Francis Ngannou: WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury faced former MMA heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou in one of the most anticipated crossover fights in combat sports history. Ngannou shocked the world by knocking Fury down in the third round, but Fury eventually regained control and escaped with a split-decision victory.
“Day of Reckoning” (December 23, 2023 — Riyadh)
Anthony Joshua vs. Otto Wallin: Joshua delivered a dominant performance, breaking Wallin down so badly that the Swede’s corner stopped the fight after the fifth round.
Joseph Parker vs. Deontay Wilder: Parker produced one of the best performances of his career, confidently defeating Wilder by unanimous decision.
Daniel Dubois vs. Jarrell Miller: A brutal and entertaining heavyweight battle that saw Dubois stop “Big Baby” Miller in the closing seconds of the tenth round.
Agit Kabayel vs. Arslanbek Makhmudov: Kabayel scored a major upset by stopping the dangerous and previously unbeaten Makhmudov with body shots in the fourth round.
Filip Hrgovic vs. Mark de Mori: Hrgovic secured a quick first-round TKO victory.
“Knockout Chaos” (March 8, 2024 — Riyadh)
Anthony Joshua vs. Francis Ngannou: Joshua left no doubts, brutally knocking out Ngannou in the second round.
Joseph Parker vs. Zhilei Zhang: Despite suffering two knockdowns against the Chinese powerhouse, Parker showed tremendous heart and claimed a majority-decision victory.
Justis Huni vs. Kevin Lerena: A competitive and entertaining undercard fight won by Huni on points.
“Ring of Fire” (May 18, 2024 — Riyadh)
Oleksandr Usyk vs. Tyson Fury (for the undisputed heavyweight championship): One of the greatest heavyweight fights of the modern era. Usyk overcame a massive size disadvantage and, after trailing during the early rounds, nearly stopped Fury in the ninth before earning a split-decision victory to become the first undisputed heavyweight champion since Lennox Lewis.
Agit Kabayel vs. Frank Sanchez: Kabayel confirmed his elite-level status by systematically breaking down the unbeaten Cuban contender Frank Sanchez and stopping him in the seventh round.
Moses Itauma vs. Ilja Mezencev: The young British heavyweight prospect secured a quick second-round TKO victory.
“Queensberry vs. Matchroom 5v5” (June 1, 2024 — Riyadh)
Zhilei Zhang vs. Deontay Wilder: “Big Bang” Zhang knocked out Wilder in the fifth round.
Daniel Dubois vs. Filip Hrgovic: Dubois captured the interim IBF heavyweight title after surviving a difficult start and stopping Hrgovic due to cuts in the eighth round.
Riyadh Season: Los Angeles (August 3, 2024 — California, USA)
Andy Ruiz Jr. vs. Jarrell Miller: An entertaining heavyweight comeback fight ended in a majority draw.
Martin Bakole vs. Jared Anderson: Bakole completely dismantled one of America’s top heavyweight prospects, dropping Anderson multiple times before scoring a fifth-round stoppage victory.
Riyadh Season: London (September 21, 2024 — Wembley Stadium, Great Britain)
Daniel Dubois vs. Anthony Joshua I: In front of 96,000 fans, Dubois produced the best performance of his career, dropping AJ multiple times before brutally knocking him out in the fifth round.
“Reignited / The Undisputed Rematch” (December 21, 2024 — Riyadh)
Oleksandr Usyk vs. Tyson Fury II: One of the most anticipated rematches of the year, where Usyk defeated Fury once again to firmly establish himself as the undisputed king of the heavyweight division.
“King of the Nile” Belt for the Historic Usyk vs. Verhoeven WBC Heavyweight World Title Fight
The World Boxing Council has unveiled what may be one of the most impressive and symbolic commemorative belts in its history — the “King of the Nile.” Created by Imperio de Metal, the unique belt will be awarded to the winner of the WBC heavyweight world title fight between undisputed champion Oleksandr Usyk and kickboxing legend Rico Verhoeven, scheduled for Saturday, May 23, near the Pyramids of Giza.
The fight is already being regarded as one of the most spectacular sporting events of the year, not only because of the unique clash between champions from different combat sports, but also due to its legendary setting. The Pyramids of Giza will provide the backdrop for a night that combines history, culture, and the highest level of combat sports.
Main Symbolism of the Belt
- Winged Sun Disk: symbolizes the protection and honor of the champion.
- Eye of Horus: represents vigilance, strength, and victory over adversity.
- Crook and Flail: symbolize supreme authority and strategic dominance inside the ring.
- Sacred Scarabs: crafted in 24-karat gold, symbolizing transformation and the rebirth of a warrior.
- Flags of Africa: honor the continent’s cultural richness and the legacy of the Nile.
- Base Design: traditional green WBC leather featuring patterns inspired by ancient Egyptian ornaments.
- Accents: all metallic elements and scarabs are finished with 24-karat gold plating.
