JAKARTA - The World Boxing Association (WBA) has officially allowed two-time undisputed world champion Oleksandr Usyk to defend his title in a fight against kickboxing king Rico Verhoeven next week.
Usyk and Verhoeven are scheduled to step into the boxing ring on May 23, 2026 at the Great Pyramid of Giza, Egypt. The two fighters will fight for the WBC heavyweight world champion belt, but there are other conditions and requirements for the WBA and IBF (International Boxing Federation) belts.
WBA in a recent statement on its official website said that they had given Usyk permission to appear with the status of world champion so that he would automatically retain the title if he won the fight.
"However, the WBA title will not be contested by Verhoeven because his name is not currently in the official ranking of the boxing body," the body said.
This was conveyed after WBA received a special request, then reviewed it and finally allowed the Ukrainian boxer to appear with the status as a world champion.
The WBA said the approval of the fight was based on provisions taking into account the interests of the competition while assessing the status of the world champion, his opponent, and other heavyweight boxers who are ranked in the WBA.
"A positive result for Usyk will make Verhoeven eligible to enter the WBA heavyweight rankings. The decision was made in accordance with the internal regulations of the WBA and any further developments will continue to follow the same rules," WBA added.
A similar provision was also conveyed by the IBF. They said they had given Usyk permission to fight, but his championship belt would not be at stake in the fight.
If the 39-year-old fighter loses to Verhoeven, the IBF belt will be declared empty immediately. On the other hand, if he wins, he will immediately be ordered to file a mandatory fight within 180 days.
Usyk has won all 24 fights as a professional boxer and has enjoyed three periods as undisputed champion, comprising two times in the heavyweight class and once in the cruiserweight class.
He became the first undisputed world champion in the heavyweight division by defeating Tyson Fury in May 2024 and then successfully beating Daniel Dubois in the middle of the following year for the same status for the second time.
On the other hand, Verhoeven, 37, has a formidable reputation in kickboxing, but has only fought professionally once in 2014. He will be looking to become the first man to beat Usyk in the ring.
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