The WBA has approved Oleksandr Usyk’s May 23 fight against Rico Verhoeven as a defense of his heavyweight super championship, but only under specific conditions.
Usyk was granted permission after a special request was reviewed by the WBA Championship Committee. The organization ruled that the Ukrainian can enter the bout with his champion status attached. However, Verhoeven will not be eligible to win the WBA title because he is not currently ranked by the sanctioning body.
If Usyk wins, the fight will count as a successful title defense. If Usyk loses, the WBA Championship Committee will review his status and decide what happens next with the heavyweight championship.
The decision was made under WBA Rule C.40, with the committee citing the “interests of competition” while also considering Usyk’s position, Verhoeven’s status, and the wider heavyweight rankings.
Image Credit: Matchroom Boxing