Oleksandr Usyk is due to defend his WBC world heavyweight title against kickboxing star Rico Verhoeven on May 23.
Usyk was previously undisputed before vacating the WBO belt last year. Controversially, he has been permitted to defend the WBC belt in this upcoming bout against Verhoeven, who is just 1-0 as a pro boxer, but the official stance of the WBA and IBF remains unclear. Though the fight is scheduled, a late change of location may be required.
Usyk vs Verhoeven was booked to take place at the Pyramids of Giza – a striking location for a spectacle fight – but the war in the Middle East may see it moved.
The unified heavyweight champion was asked about this during a recent interview with Suspline Sport, and said that he was aware that a ‘plan B’ is being explored.
“The team is 100% looking at plan B, but I don’t even think about it. I know I have to train, and if anything happens, the team tells me, and I don’t get nervous. I just pray and that’s it.”
The UK’s guidance currently advises against all but essential travel to parts of Egypt amid the US-Iran war. The State Department’s stance for US citizens remains at Level 2 – Exercise Increased Caution for the country, though many regions are at the highest Level 4 advisory of Do Not Travel.
Implications on the sporting world from the war have also been felt in Saudi Arabia, which has become a boxing hub in recent years.
Recently, Formula One cancelled both the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grand Prix weekends due to the ongoing conflict. The situation escalated in early 2026 following direct military exchanges between Iran and the United States, raising security concerns across parts of the Middle East.
Whether the Usyk-Verhoeven card remains in Egypt or is relocated, contingency plans are clearly being considered behind the scenes.
