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Oleksandr Usyk steps into the ring this Saturday at the Pyramids of Giza for a historic heavyweight clash against Rico Verhoeven, making it the first world title fight ever held in Egypt. This unique setting adds an extraordinary twist to an already unconventional matchup.
What follows puts the whole situation in context, revealing other bizarre boxing venues that have hosted world title fights over the years.
From the 1915 bout at the Oriental Park race track in Havana, where Jess Willard knocked out Jack Johnson in a record-setting 26-round fight, to the 1923 disaster in Shelby, Montana, where Jack Dempsey’s defense against Tommy Gibbons left the town bankrupt, boxing has seen it all. The infamous 'Rumble in the Jungle' in 1974 featured Muhammad Ali and George Foreman in Kinshasa, Zaire, under a dictatorship and amidst a backdrop of political unrest.
These surreal locations add layers to boxing's storied history, highlighting the lengths promoters go to stage monumental matches. Usyk vs. Verhoeven at the Pyramids not only continues this tradition but also challenges perceptions of where the sport can thrive. The stage is set for an unforgettable night in a truly remarkable venue.
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