Both the official event poster and the related announcement released to the media had suggested that the WBC World Title would be at stake in the bout between Oleksandr Usyk and Rico Verhoeven, scheduled to take place on May 23 in Egypt. That information had been called into question by Mauricio Sulaiman, who initially stated that he had not yet received any formal request in that regard. Now, however, the official confirmation has arrived from the WBC.
Below is the full statement in which the organization chaired by Sulaiman made its decision official:
After careful consideration, the WBC Board of Governors has ruled in favor of sanctioning WBC World Heavyweight Champion Oleksandr Usyk’s voluntary title defense against legendary kickboxing Champion Rico Verhoeven.
At its 63rd Annual Convention in Bangkok, Thailand, the WBC granted Champion Usyk a voluntary defense. Subsequently, the WBC received a petition to sanction the Usyk v. Herhoeven fight as a voluntary defense.
Champion Usyk’s has showcased incredible activity in recent years, facing and defeating champions in his division like Anthony Joshua twice, Tyson Fury twice, and Daniel Dubois twice. He did all of that while maintaining his undefeated record. In reaching its approval decision, the WBC Board of Governors considered Champion Usyk’s activity, which is unprecedented, especially in the heavyweight division.
Rico has been competing professionally at an elite kickboxing level since 2005. Over the course of two decades while maintaining that very highest level of competition, he has established himself as arguably one of the greatest heavyweight kickboxing champions of all time.
Rico’s professional journey has been exceptional, which includes headlining and selling out major stadium arenas in front of 30,000 and 40,000 spectators worldwide. At 36 years of age, he competed in 76 professional kickboxing fights. Rico just recently vacated the Glory Kickboxing Heavyweight title going undefeated in 11 years.
The transition from kickboxing to boxing is not unprecedented. Many MuayThai athletes have successfully crossed over into professional boxing and competed for WBC titles early in their boxing careers. This WBC decision is within the WBC rules and regulations.
The pyramids of Egypt will give this event a historic importance and surroundings. That has been the dream of many, including our beloved WBC President Jose Sulaiman.