Turki Alalshikh reveals that Usyk will feature on a big event in Istanbul next year.
Much has been said of this Saturday’s heavyweight showdown between Oleksandr Usyk and Rico Verhoeven, most of it regarding the fact that it is a matchup featuring an elite-level boxing champion against a boxing novice.
It is one of a number of curious events that have taken place throughout heavyweight boxing history, and it will be staged at the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt.
Due to the experience disparity between them (in terms of professional boxing, that is), Usyk is the monumental favourite to end the night with his hand raised. And should that end up being the case, it is expected that the Ukrainian will then engage in a bout of much more substance to fans of pugilism.
At 39 years old, Usyk will no doubt be in the latter half of his career, and he has stated that he only has a few more fights left in the sport.
Today, the final press conference took place for Usyk’s fight against Verhoeven. Speaking at the event, Turki Alalshikh revealed plans for Usyk to take part in a very big show next year, presumably on the condition he wins on Saturday.
“We are planning for something now to give to Usyk in the future”, stated Alalshikh. “We are thinking–and I know he doesn’t want to talk about the future–but we are planning, and I want to give you [a] small secret: We are planning to do something amazing in Istanbul … near Ayasofya [Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque] next year. Inshallah.”
It has been assumed by some fans that this event will be Usyk’s fight with Agit Kabayel, his WBC mandatory challenger. Though Kabayel is German by birth, he is of Kurdish descent and has parents who are both from Turkey.
Given that, Usyk would be facing Kabayel (who most regard as his biggest challenge in the division) in his ancestral homeland, meaning he would be venturing to away soil yet again.
But first, he must take care of a very confident Dutchman in two days’ time.
USYK IN ISTANBUL NEXT YEAR ‼️
Turki Alalshikh announces that Oleksandr Usyk is set to fight in another special event in 2027 👀
Glory in Giza | May 23rd | LIVE on DAZN 🥊 pic.twitter.com/rLYUjEL964
— Ring Magazine (@ringmagazine) May 21, 2026
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