Oleksandr Usyk vs Rico Verhoeven undercard announced

Undercard fights present clearer tests than the main event

The undercard for the May 23 “Glory in Giza” event in Egypt has been announced, with title fights and additional bouts confirmed beneath the main event between Oleksandr Usyk and Rico Verhoeven.

Jack Catterall vs. Shakhram Giyasov

At welterweight, Jack Catterall faces Shakhram Giyasov for the WBA Regular title. Catterall has consistently limited output and controlled pace, forcing opponents into low-activity fights. Giyasov’s approach depends on sustained pressure and volume, making his ability to close the distance early a key factor over twelve rounds.

This is widely considered the most competitive fight on the card. Unlike the main event, which features a kickboxer moving into a new sport, this is a clash between two of the world’s elite 147lb contenders.

A win puts the victor in direct line for a shot at the top names like Devin Haney. Catterall is a master of distance and timing, while Giyasov (an Olympic silver medalist) brings an explosive, flashy amateur pedigree. It’s a “50/50” fight that will likely be a high-speed chess match.

Frank Sanchez vs. Richard Torrez Jr.

If you are looking for a knockout, this is the one. Sanchez is a slick, highly technical Cuban “boogeyman” who was recently derailed by a knee injury against Agit Kabayel. He is fighting to prove he is still elite.

Torrez Jr. is a relentless “all-gas-no-brakes” southpaw with massive power. This is the classic “Slick Boxer vs. Power Puncher” fight, usually resulting in fireworks.

Hamzah Sheeraz vs. Alem Begic

Sheeraz is arguably the hottest prospect in British boxing right now. Coming off a dominant win over Edgar Berlanga, Sheeraz is moving up to 168lbs. While Begic is undefeated and experienced, most experts view this as Sheeraz’s opportunity to show he can be a multi-division force. If Sheeraz delivers another clinical stoppage, it will be the performance everyone talks about the next morning..

Hamzah enters following a stoppage win over Edgar Berlanga, moving directly into a title fight at 168.

While Oleksandr Usyk vs. Rico Verhoeven is the biggest “event,” many purists view it as a mismatch. Verhoeven is a legend in GLORY Kickboxing, but taking on the most technical heavyweight in boxing history without being allowed to use his legs is a monumental task. It will likely be a dominant display by Usyk rather than a back-and-forth war.