Rico Verhoeven vs Oleksandr Usyk in Giza already feels unreal

And somehow, in the middle of all that, Rico Verhoeven and Oleksandr Usyk are actually going to fight there on May 23.

A temporary arena built directly in the desert

The event won’t take place inside a traditional stadium.

Instead, organizers are constructing a fully temporary fight arena near the pyramids of Giza, with the ring elevated above the sand rather than anchored into the ground itself. Egyptian authorities reportedly insisted on strict preservation measures to protect the historic site.

Nothing permanent can remain once the event ends.

That means the entire structure — seating, VIP platforms, production equipment and walkout staging — will disappear almost immediately after fight night finishes.

Watching early setup footage, the contrast looks bizarre in the best possible way. Ancient stone structures in the background. Massive LED screens in front. Fighters warming up where tourists normally take photos.

Every detail around the pyramids is tightly controlled

The technical side of this event sounds almost as complicated as the fight itself.

According to people involved with the production, specialized sound systems are being used to direct vibrations away from the pyramids. Sensors will reportedly monitor movement and pressure levels throughout the event to avoid damaging the surrounding area.

Even the transport system for guests and staff is heavily organized.

Large combat sports events rarely operate under this kind of historical restriction. That’s part of why the fight already feels bigger than a normal crossover spectacle.

FSI247 recently covered the intense face-off between Verhoeven and Usyk in Egypt, and insiders described the atmosphere there as surprisingly serious despite the unusual setting.

Nobody around the event seems to be treating this like a gimmick.

The location may become bigger than the fight itself

That’s the fascinating part.

Yes, Usyk remains one of boxing’s pound-for-pound elite fighters according to the current Ring Magazine rankings. And yes, Verhoeven stepping from kickboxing into boxing against someone of that level is a huge story on its own.

But the setting changes everything visually.

The promoters clearly understand that. Camera positions, lighting plans and broadcast angles are all designed to showcase the pyramids constantly during the event. They want viewers worldwide to feel the scale of it from the opening shot.

And honestly, it’s hard not to get drawn into that spectacle.

Rico steps into unfamiliar territory

For Verhoeven, this goes far beyond another title defense or kickboxing superfight.

This is boxing. Different rhythm. Different pressure. Different consequences for mistakes. He knows people doubt him, especially against a fighter as technically polished as Usyk.

Still, those around the Dutch heavyweight say he’s fully locked in mentally for the challenge.

FSI247 also recently reported on Verhoeven opening up emotionally about the pressure surrounding this fight, and people close to his camp say the moment genuinely means a lot to him.

Maybe that’s why this event already feels different before the first punch has even landed.

It’s not just the fight anymore.

It’s the image of two heavyweight stars standing in the middle of the Egyptian desert while the pyramids glow behind them.