The fight at the Pyramids of Giza is in question
World heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk is preparing for a major show in Egypt, but he acknowledges that plans may change due to the unstable situation in the region. The Ukrainian’s team is already developing backup scenarios in case the tournament at the pyramids is canceled.
This was reported by RBC-Ukraine, citing the boxer’s comments to “Suspilne Sport.”
Also read: “One minute was enough: Khyzhniak shocked the audience in his very first professional fight”
Safety first
Usyk’s fight against Dutch kickboxer Rico Verhoeven has been officially sanctioned by the WBC and is scheduled for May 23, 2026. However, the tense situation in the Middle East puts the event in Giza at risk. Alexander admitted that he fully trusts his management to handle organizational crises.
“The team is 100% considering a Plan B, but I don’t think about it at all. I know I need to train, and if something happens, the team will tell me, and I won’t get nervous. I just pray and that’s it,” the boxer emphasized.
Training without leniency
Despite the fact that Usyk’s future opponent is not a professional boxer, the Ukrainian assures that there is no underestimating the opponent, and the intensity of training is only increasing. Usyk stressed that his approach to discipline remains unchanged, and the main battle is always with himself.
“My preparation doesn’t change; I prepare for each opponent just as seriously. I train against myself; I am my toughest opponent because the odds are equal. We don’t have any leniency, like, for example, we ran 10 km, and now it’s 5 km – no, we ran 10 km, and now it’s 11 km. Training is in full swing,” the champion stated.
Alexander also added that even on active recovery days, he makes time for long walks, because “who are we to skip leg day.”
Recall that the fight against Verhoeven will be Usyk’s first appearance in the ring since July 2025. The bout will have the status of a voluntary defense of the WBC title.
Earlier, we reported that Usyk revealed his plans before the end of his career.
