WBA approves Usyk’s title defence against kickboxer Verhoeven in Egypt

n n

The World Boxing Association (WBA) has granted approval for Oleksandr Usyk to defend his “Super” heavyweight title against former kickboxing champion Rico Verhoeven in a bout scheduled for May 23 in Egypt.

n

As reported by BBC Sport on Thursday, the fight is set to take place at the iconic Pyramids of Giza, marking a rare crossover contest between boxing and kickboxing elites at the heavyweight level.

n

While the WBA confirmed the fight as a title defence for Usyk, it clarified that Verhoeven will not be eligible to win the belt due to his current lack of ranking within the organisation.

n

“Should Usyk emerge victorious, the bout will officially count as a successful title defence,” the WBA stated.

n

“However, the title itself will not be at stake for Verhoeven, as he is currently not ranked by the sanctioning body.”

n

The governing body added that in the event of an upset defeat for Usyk, its championship committee would review the situation and determine the future of the heavyweight title.

n

“If the champion were to lose, the WBA championship committee would then review his status and determine the next course of action regarding the heavyweight championship,” it added.

n

Usyk remains unbeaten in 24 professional fights and has previously unified all major belts at heavyweight and cruiserweight, defeating elite opponents including Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua, and Daniel Dubois.

n

The Ukrainian champion has defended his decision to take on Verhoeven, insisting he has the right to choose his opponents.

n

Verhoeven, a dominant figure in kickboxing and former Glory heavyweight champion, has only one professional boxing fight to his name, which took place in 2014.

n

The bout is expected to draw global attention due to its unusual pairing and historic setting at one of the world’s most recognisable landmarks.

n n