Rico Verhoeven (1-0, 1 KOs) is scheduled to challenge Oleksandr Usyk (24-0, 15 KOs) for his heavyweight title in Giza, Egypt, on 23 May 2026. However, according to the WBA, despite Usyk’s unified status, Verhoeven might only receive one belt in the event of an “upset”.
In an announcement made on their website, the organization stated that Verhoeven should not expect a title in the event of him defeating Usyk.
“Following a special request submitted to the organization, the WBA reviewed the case and authorized the Ukrainian star to enter the bout carrying his championship status. However, the title itself will not be at stake for Verhoeven, as he is currently not ranked by the sanctioning body,” he said.
One apparent reason why the WBA ruled that Verhoeven cannot actually win Usyk’s title is that Verhoeven is essentially unranked as a professional boxer. He’s an exceptional kickboxer, but he only has one pro boxing match from 2014, so the WBA treated this as a special crossover exception rather than a normal championship defence.
This title situation is rather messy because each sanctioning body handled the fight differently. The WBC fully sanctioned it as a title defence. The WBA approved it with the condition that Verhoeven cannot become champion and the IBF eventually agreed under similar conditions.
While the WBA’s decision seems two-pronged, the organization urges that it is necessary to ensure the integrity of the title.
“Should Usyk emerge victorious, the bout will officially count as a successful title defence. 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. As for Verhoeven, a victory would not earn him any WBA title recognition, although it would make him eligible to enter the organization’s heavyweight rankings,” he said.
“If Usyk Loses”
The IBF also has a similar plan in the event of Usyk losing. However, according to their statement, Verhoeven might have to wait a bit longer for the title.
“The IBF Board of Directors convened by video conference and determined that Usyk’s exception request should be granted, subject to the following conditions. If Usyk loses, the IBF Heavyweight title will be declared vacant immediately,”the organization wrote. “If Usyk wins, the IBF will acknowledge the WBC’s position in the rotation and order the IBF mandatory bout for 180 days thereafter. If the WBA grants a special permit, the IBF will acknowledge the WBA’s position in the rotation and order the IBF mandatory bout for 180 days thereafter.”
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