Oleksandr Usyk vs Rico Verhoeven in danger of being moved

Oleksandr Usyk's fight with Rico Verhoeven is reportedly in danger of being moved out of Egypt due to the ongoing situation in the Middle East.

Two-time undisputed heavyweight champion Usyk is set to make his long-awaited boxing return on May 23 in Giza, Egypt, where he will defend his WBC title against kickboxing great Verhoeven.

However, Oleksandr’s team is looking at other options regarding the location of the showdown because of the ongoing Middle East conflict.

“The team is 100% looking at plan B,” Usyk told Ukrainian publication Suspline Sport.

Although Egypt has no direct links to the war, the United States categorises the country as a “Level 2” travel risk, advising tourists to “exercise increased caution due to terrorism, crime, and health.”

Meanwhile, Oleksandr Usyk is not worried about anything and has shown trust in his team to handle the matter.

"I don't think about it at all," Usyk continued.

"I know I have to train, and if something happens, the team tells me, and I'm not nervous. I just pray, and that's it."

Usyk will be facing a vastly different challenge in Verhoeven, who will be stepping into a boxing ring for the first time since 2014.

Verhoeven, 36, is a kickboxing legend and has a record of 66-10, 21 KOs as a kickboxer.

The Ukrainian boxer has been allowed by the WBC for a voluntary defence of its belt before taking on his mandatory challenger, Agit Kabayel.

Usyk, who currently holds the WBA, WBC and IBF belts, has not entered the ring since stopping Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium in July.