The fight will take place at the historic Giza Necropolis beside the legendary Pyramids of Giza near Cairo, Egypt. Organizers are promoting the event as “Glory in Giza,” making it one of boxing’s most unique venues ever.

Rico Verhoeven’s mother, Jacqueline, passed away in early 2026, but her exact cause of death was never publicly revealed. In a recent interview, the fighter talked about why this upcoming fight matters a lot to him.

“My mother passed away. How’s that a positive thing? It is not. But I have to do something with it to make it easier for me to cope with. So she passed away, and we had to clean out her house. And what happened is we came by pictures of her being in Egypt. Like, how crazy is that? I wanted to recreate that exact picture. I want it to be in that spot where she was 30 years prior,” Verhoeven via Matchroom Boxing.

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Heavyweight veteran backs Rico Verhoeven to beat Oleksandr Usyk

Oleksandr Usyk enters the bout as the reigning heavyweight boxing champion, while Verhoeven arrives after dominating kickboxing for over a decade. Many fans view the matchup as a rare crossover spectacle between two champions from completely different combat sports backgrounds.

For Verhoeven, this fight is an opportunity to prove himself against one of boxing’s greatest modern heavyweights today. Usyk has also praised Verhoeven’s athleticism and dedication, showing mutual respect before their highly anticipated showdown in Egypt this weekend.

Many experts have given their opinion on the upcoming fight, including Derek Chisora, who recently shared his prediction. “I think Usyk loses this fight in Egypt. I’m telling you, he might beat Usyk. The kickboxer is gonna win it,” said Derek Chisora via DAZN.

Both fighters have shown immense mutual respect and are eager to step inside the ring. It will be interesting to see who will take the lead this Saturday in Egypt.

READ MORE: Decho And Rustam Yunusov Sound Off Before ONE Friday Fights 155 Main Event: “Going To Be A Tough Night

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Ali vs. Frazier: A Rivalry Forged in Fire, Immortalized in History

When Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier stepped into the ring for the first time on March 8, 1971, it wasn’t just a fight, it was a cultural reckoning. Dubbed “The Fight of the Century,” the undefeated Frazier, the reigning heavyweight champion, faced off against Ali, the former champion returning after a three-year exile for refusing the Vietnam draft. The stakes were more than belts; this was Icon vs. Icon, rebel vs. establishment, warrior vs. poet.

The first bout at Madison Square Garden was a brutal 15-round masterpiece. Frazier’s relentless pressure and devastating left hook kept Ali from floating, and in the 15th, Frazier dropped him — the first man ever to do so. Frazier won by unanimous decision, and Ali tasted his first professional defeat. But the story was just beginning.

The rematch came in 1974, again at the Garden. Though no title was at stake, pride was everything. This time, Ali adjusted — he clinched, moved, and taunted his way to a unanimous decision victory, evening the score. The rivalry burned hotter than ever, both men knowing a final showdown was inevitable.

That came on October 1, 1975, in the Philippines , the fight that would be etched in eternity: “The Thrilla in Manila.” In 100-degree heat, the two men fought like their lives depended on it. It was violent, grueling, and exhausting. Ali later called it “the closest thing to dying I’ve ever known.” After 14 rounds of hell, Frazier’s corner stopped the fight — Ali had won, but both men had given more than their bodies. They had given their essence.

What made this trilogy monumental wasn’t just the action — it was the stakes, the symbolism, the spectacle. Ali and Frazier weren’t just athletes; they were avatars of competing ideologies in a turbulent time. Every punch echoed beyond the ring. Every round carried political, racial, and emotional weight.

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Yet beyond the venom and rivalry, there was respect — the kind only forged in battle. Years later, both men softened toward one another. They knew what they had created — not just three fights, but a legacy that would inspire generations.

And so we close this five-part journey through boxing’s most unforgettable trilogies. These weren’t just fights. They were stories of pride, pain, and perseverance. They remind us that in the ring and in life it’s not always about winning. Sometimes, it’s about how much of your soul you’re willing to leave behind.

READ MORE : Top 5 Greatest trilogies in boxing : Pt.4 Ward vs. Gatti

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Gatti vs. Ward: A Trilogy Carved in Blood and Respect

When Arturo “Thunder” Gatti and Micky “Irish” Ward first met in May 2002, the boxing world didn’t fully expect what would unfold. There was no title on the line, no undefeated records at stake — just two honest warriors, known for their grit and willingness to brawl. But what followed was three fights that redefined what it means to leave everything in the ring.

The first bout instantly became the stuff of legend. Fought in Uncasville, Connecticut, it was a savage back-and-forth war. Gatti, the more technical boxer, showcased his speed and clean punching, while Ward, the blue-collar brawler, poured on relentless pressure. “Round 9” of that fight is now considered one of the greatest rounds in boxing history. both fighters nearly collapsed from the punishment, yet kept coming forward. Ward edged out a majority decision, and the boxing world knew they had witnessed something special.

Less than five months later, the rematch was set. This time, Gatti came in better prepared, boxing smarter while still engaging in brutal exchanges. Ward, ever the dogged fighter, pushed him to the limit. But Gatti’s adjustments earned him a clear decision victory, setting the stage for an epic third and final chapter.

The trilogy concluded in June 2003 in Atlantic City. Gatti’s adopted hometown. With both men now one win apiece, pride was everything. The third fight was once again a war of attrition, but this time with even more refined strategy. Gatti fought with a broken hand for much of the bout, yet somehow delivered one of his finest performances. He won by unanimous decision, but in truth, both fighters left the ring as legends.

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What made the Gatti-Ward trilogy so special wasn’t just the violence or the sheer volume of punches thrown — it was the mutual respect, the emotional weight, and the human drama that bled through every round. After the final bell, they embraced like brothers. Later, they became close friends, their rivalry turning into one of boxing’s most touching brotherhoods.

This trilogy is often described as a throwback to boxing’s golden era — no politics, no ducking, just two men willing to go through hell for the love of the sport and the roar of the crowd. For fans, it was a reminder of why boxing matters, not for the belts or the headlines, but for the spirit.

READ MORE : Top 5 Greatest trilogies in boxing: Pt.3 Sugar Ray vs LaMotta

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Sugar Ray Robinson vs. Jake LaMotta: A Six-Fight War of Will and Skill

When Sugar Ray Robinson and Jake LaMotta stepped into the ring for the first time in 1942, few could have predicted the rivalry would span six fights and nearly a decade — defining both fighters’ legacies in radically different ways. Robinson, often considered the most complete boxer in history, was all elegance, timing, and rhythm. LaMotta, known as the “Bronx Bull,” was the walking embodiment of raw toughness, pressure, and unbreakable will.

Their first fight on October 2, 1942, marked the beginning of a stormy saga. Robinson won a close decision, but just five months later, LaMotta did the unthinkable. he beat Sugar Ray in their rematch, handing him his first professional loss. It was a major upset and a moment of glory for LaMotta, who always believed his relentless style could break even the slickest fighters. In their third fight, Robinson adjusted and reclaimed victory with smarter movement and cleaner counters.

Though their first three bouts happened within five months, the rivalry didn’t end there. They fought again three more times, culminating in the most famous encounter of all: the “St. Valentine’s Day Massacre” in 1951. their sixth and final clash. By then, Robinson had become a boxing superstar, while LaMotta was nearing the end of a brutal career.

In that fight, Robinson punished LaMotta with one of the most sustained beatings ever seen in a ring. Yet despite being outclassed, LaMotta refused to go down. Bloodied and battered, he endured all 13 rounds until the referee stopped it. That image — of LaMotta absorbing combinations without falling — became legend, symbolizing the heart of a fighter who couldn’t be broken. He famously quipped, “You never got me down, Ray,” a line later immortalized in the film “Raging Bull”.

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What made this rivalry so iconic wasn’t just the wins and losses, but the story it told: “speed vs. strength, finesse vs. force, poise vs. pain”. Sugar Ray Robinson’s brilliance shone brightest against LaMotta’s resistance, and LaMotta’s toughness seemed to find its truest test in Robinson’s fists. It was a relationship forged in fire — one that brought out the greatness in both.

Though not a traditional trilogy, the Robinson-LaMotta rivalry remains one of the most powerful in boxing — six fights that painted a complete picture of war, respect, and unmatched willpower.

READ MORE: Top 5 Greatest trilogies in boxing: Pt.2 Barrera vs Morales

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In this installment, we dive into one of boxing’s most explosive rivalries: Erik Morales vs. Marco Antonio Barrera. This all-Mexican trilogy wasn’t just a clash of fists, but of pride, style, and national spirit. With every round, their hatred burned, their respect grew, and their legacies were forever etched into the fabric of boxing history. Let’s revisit a rivalry that defined an era.

Erik Morales vs. Marco Antonio Barrera: A Trilogy of Fire and Fury

The Morales-Barrera trilogy is widely regarded as one of the most thrilling sagas in boxing history. Both hailed from Mexico, but brought completely different styles to the ring — Morales, the cold and calculated technician from Tijuana, and Barrera, the fiery brawler from Mexico City. Their rivalry spanned three unforgettable fights between 2000 and 2004, and each bout was a war.

Their first fight, on February 19, 2000, was a blood-soaked, high-volume battle that still ranks as one of the greatest fights of all time. Morales won a razor-thin split decision, but many believed Barrera deserved the nod. Regardless of the outcome, fans knew they had witnessed something historic.

Two years later, in 2002, they met again. This time, Barrera adjusted his style, boxing with more discipline while still engaging in fierce exchanges. He won a close unanimous decision, and the series was tied. The animosity between them remained fierce — they barely shook hands.

In 2004, the trilogy reached its climax. The third fight was a tactical but still fiery affair, showing both fighters had matured. Barrera edged Morales again, this time by majority decision, sealing the trilogy in his favor — two wins to one. But even in defeat, Morales earned admiration for his unbreakable will.

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What made this trilogy so special wasn’t just the action — though there was plenty — but the evolution. Both fighters grew, adapted, and brought out the best and worst in each other. It was personal, it was national, and it was unforgettable. Together, they raised the standard for what a boxing trilogy could be.

READ MORE: Top 5 Greatest trilogies in boxing: Pt.1 Bowe vs Holyfield

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How Saudi Investment is Revolutionizing Boxing

The influx of Saudi money into the world of boxing has been a game-changer for the sport. Events in Riyadh have boasted stacked cards, world title unifications, and record-setting payouts, attracting elite fighters and fans alike. The likes of Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua, and Oleksandr Usyk have all stepped into the ring in Saudi Arabia, drawing in massive audiences and generating significant revenue. This increased exposure has helped to promote the sport globally, bringing in new fans and providing a platform for fighters to showcase their skills.

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Saudi Arabia’s Financial Impact on Boxing

The financial backing provided by Saudi Arabia has enabled promoters to offer significant purses, attracting top talent and creating new opportunities for fighters. The high-profile events held in Riyadh have been broadcast globally, reaching a vast audience and increasing the sport’s popularity. This increased exposure has also led to new business opportunities, with sponsors and advertisers taking notice of the sport’s growing popularity.

Global reach and Popularity

The involvement of Saudi Arabia in professional boxing has helped to promote the sport globally. The high-profile events held in Riyadh have attracted a diverse audience, including fans from around the world. The sport’s global reach has been further expanded through live broadcasts and social media coverage, providing fans with unparalleled access to the action.

Concerns and Criticisms

While Saudi Arabia’s involvement in boxing has brought many benefits, there are concerns about the potential impact on the sport’s integrity and accessibility. Critics argue that the focus on luxury and paydays may overshadow meaningful competition, and that human rights issues may be glossed over in favor of lucrative deals. The concentration of major fights in one region may also alienate traditional boxing hubs and smaller promotions. However, these concerns do not detract from the excitement and opportunities that Saudi Arabia’s involvement has brought to the sport.

In conclusion, Saudi Arabia’s involvement in professional boxing has been a significant development for the sport. While there are concerns about the potential impact on the sport’s integrity and accessibility, the benefits of increased exposure, revenue, and opportunities for top fighters cannot be ignored. As the sport continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how Saudi Arabia’s involvement shapes the future of professional boxing.

READ MORE : UFC 317 in disarray

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GFL Officially Announced a Very Interesting matchup pitting Tony Ferguson Against Dillon Danis.

Tony Ferguson who once was widely considered as a One of the best Lighweights in MMA History was Proud Owner of 12 fight win streak. unfortunately, After His 2020 upset loss to justin Gaethje. Ferguson lost in his next 7 fights , which Makes his losing streak The longest Ever In UFC History.

Dillon Danis on the other hand is coming off a very controversial Boxing Match against Youtube and WWE star Logan Paul. Being a Very Talented BJJ practitioner Himself Danis Has 2 MMA fights In his career with last MMA Fight he competed in was in 2019.

WHAT IS GFL ?

GFL Will be a First mixed martial arts League Based On Team Competition.. GFL Will hold it’s First event in April This year. Notable fighters will represent City Based teams With Designated coaches.

GFL TEAMS MANAGERS

DUBAI – Cain Velasquez

LONDON – Luke Barnatt

LOS ANGELES – Wanderlei Silva

MIAMI – Thiago Alves

SAO PAULO – Lyoto Machida

NEW YORK – Not Announced yet

Due to Danis fight with KSI Being scheduled in March. It has to be seen when The “El Cucuy” vs “El Jefe” fight Will Take Place.

READ MORE : ‘NEED TO PUT’… ISLAM MAKHACHEV TAKES CRYPTIC SHOT AT ILIA TOPURIA

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After stepping in for the ill Daniel Dubois, Joseph Parker scored a knockout win over Martin Bakole and lightly called out Oleksandr Usyk for a fight. Agit Kabayel is currently the mandatory challenger.

Parker has held the WBO interim title longer than Dubois has held the IBF world title. The WBO interim champion is usually next in line for a shot at the full world champion. He has shown great resilience and gained 20 pounds to prepare for Dubois. He is seen as a worthy challenge for Usyk, but can he beat him?

Usyk has shown no signs of weakness that an opponent could capitalize on. He’s a solid boxer with unique fights in his career, like those against Michael Hunter, Derek Chisora, and Tyson Fury. These fighters have been the toughest challenges for him.

Even if some fans doubt Joseph Parker’s chances, he is undeniably the most deserving of a shot at Usyk. His fundamentals are solid enough to keep up technically. Except for Fury, he is the only heavyweight close to Usyk in terms of skill. Parker also has the power to hurt Usyk.

This would be a great matchup. Parker has a lot to offer. He’s a good tactician, has power, and is not a one-dimensional fighter. He will give Usyk some trouble, but like others before him, he will likely fall short. Can Joseph Parker dethrone the king, Usyk?

Usyk’s Next Opponent: Should It Be Parker or Someone Else?

Oleskandr Usyk has everything needed to beat Parker. However, Joseph Parker will be a tougher opponent than Daniel Dubois. The biggest challenges for Usyk would be Opetaia and Itauma.

Usyk can drop back down to Cruiserweight to fight Opetaia. At some point in time, he wanted to do it, but his team advised against stressing his body with weight changes. Opetaia could move to Heavyweight, but he needs time to adjust and has work to do in Cruiserweight. So, unfortunately, this fight isn’t likely.

Itauma would be a great opponent on paper. The problem is, he is yet to be tested against tougher fighters, and his team would not risk throwing him in with Usyk. However, it is a chance worth taking.

There are four fighters that fans want to see lined up to test Usyk: Itauma or Opetaia, Parker or Kabayel, Hrgovic, and Dubois. In terms of importance, Daniel is the top contender to beat because he holds the belt.

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Is Parker the Biggest Threat to Usyk Right Now?

Joseph Parker has been on a great run lately. Usyk is a huge challenge, but Parker has the hand speed and ring IQ to give it a real shot. Parker can box anyone, anytime, and seems like the only boxer who could beat Usyk after Tyson Fury failed twice.

What is important now is that the powers that be give him the chance to prove himself. Talk and speculation mean little without action. Parker is already at the top, so a fight card with Daniel Dubois vs. Agit Kabayel and Usyk vs. Parker would be a fan’s dream. This card would be huge in boxing history.

The boxing world is lucky to be considering this, but if it happens, it will be an undisputed fight because there’s more money and promotion behind it. Unfortunately, the fight game is more about business than just the sport.

CONCLUSION

Joseph Parker has a chance based on his recent performances. It’s unlikely he beats Usyk, but he’s earned his shot and can be competitive.

He has the tools. He’s well-rounded and could present more problems than Kabayel or any other heavyweight in the division. He has some of the fastest hands, throws combinations, moves his feet well, and is durable. The only person to knock him out was Joyce. Most other heavyweights rely on power punching or have slow feet.

Many people think Parker lacks power because he doesn’t score KOs, but he has enough power to keep opponents honest. He hits just as hard, if not harder, than Usyk.

READ MORE: Dubois vs. Parker Should Happen Before Any Usyk Fight

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Joseph Parker is frustrated after his knockout win over Martin Bakole, defending his Interim WBO World Heavyweight Title. He believes this was his chance for a title fight against Oleksandr Usyk.

He also expressed concerns about Daniel Dubois’ withdrawal due to his “illness.” Both Parker and Agit Kabayel have stayed undefeated in their challenges, but they don’t seem to be getting rewarded with a World title shot.

Turki has focused more on creating bigger fights than supporting the progress and achievements of these fighters. It feels like an endless cycle of fights, with no special reward beyond the paycheck.

A clear example of Parker and Kabayel not benefiting is the situation with boxers like Anthony Joshua, who was knocked out in his last fight, and Tyson Fury, who has lost twice. Despite Turki’s efforts to create big fights, Fury is still being considered for a return and is scheduled to fight Joshua.

Even after Parker’s impressive victories over Joe Joyce, Zhilei Zhang, and Deontay Wilder, he still hasn’t been given a promised shot at the best. His chance to fight Daniel Dubois was taken away.

This is the third time Joseph Parker has been put in a co-main event instead of a main event. Daniel “DDD” Dubois should either fight Parker, Agit Kabayel, or Efe Ajagba before fighting Usyk for the unified championship. Usyk defeated Dubois in August 2023 by a ninth-round technical knockout. That’s why Dubois should go through this process as a build-up to another fight with Usyk, which would be fair to Parker, who couldn’t fight due to illness.

Anyone can see Joseph Parker is getting the short end of the deal. How many more fights do Parker and Kabayel need to get a proper shot?

In my opinion, Anthony Joshua shouldn’t get a shot, especially after being knocked out. He needs to go to the back of the line. While I’m not doubting Dubois was sick, nothing has been confirmed by his team. On top of that, he pulled out just two days before the fight. Yet, he still gets his shot at Usyk, while Parker’s career isn’t moving forward.

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Leapfrogging can be a problem in boxing, where boxers avoid others for money or out of fear of losing. Joseph Parker deserves more and should be next in line for a world title fight with Usyk. Dubois vs. Parker should be the fight, hands down.

If Dubois goes straight into the Usyk fight, it would be disrespectful. If Turki wants to do the right thing, he should rearrange Dubois vs. Parker, with the winner facing Usyk.

Joseph Parker has done everything asked of him, including fighting Bakole on two days’ notice. The Dubois vs. Parker fight was crucial for the heavyweight division. It would have helped solidify the top rankings, giving us a clearer picture of where everyone stands and the right moves for the division. But now that the fight didn’t happen, we’re back to not knowing who should fight who. The fight was booked, so it needs to be rearranged.

The best option is still Dubois vs. Parker and Usyk vs. Kabayel. Both should defend their titles to earn another shot at the undisputed championship. If they go straight for the undisputed title, it would just show that the sport is about making money, not fairness.

READ MORE: Tyson Fury Still Ranked No. 1—Is It Fair

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There’s been a lot happening in boxing lately, especially with Tyson Fury’s retirement news. Also, Bakole dropped in the IBF rankings after his knockout loss to Joseph Parker. Let’s dive into the heavyweight rankings.

The Ring Magazine recently updated their top 10 heavyweight rankings, which they shared on their X social media account. In the rankings, Tyson Fury is ranked first, followed by Daniel Dubois, Joseph Parker, Agit Kabayel, Anthony Joshua, Zhilei Zhang, Martin Bakole, Filip Hrgovic, Fabio Wardley, and finally, Efe Ajagba. Oleksandr Usyk is the undefeated and undisputed champion.

Since the announcement, fans have reacted to Tyson Fury being ranked number one by Ring Magazine in the heavyweight division. The reason for this is clear—Fury is retired. Across other ranking bodies, like the IBF, WBA, WBO, and WBC, his name has been removed from the top 15.

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Another reason for the reaction is Tyson Fury’s back-to-back defeats against Usyk in the Riyadh season in Saudi Arabia. As we saw with Bakole’s ranking drop after his loss last Saturday, it seems like a different case for Fury. How did he manage to keep his spot?

Fury seems to be relying on his past victories from 3-5 years ago. It feels unfair. If past performances are a major factor, then boxers like Dubois, Parker, and even Kabayel should be ranked higher than Fury.

It’s no surprise that Ring Magazine is owned by Turki Alalshikh, which raises questions about whether there is information about Fury’s return that hasn’t been made public yet. Could there truly be a return and a fight against Anthony Joshua? Fury hasn’t won against a top 10 opponent. He should be ranked 6th at best.

READ MORE: Can Parker Beat Usyk? A Breakdown of His Chances

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