On May 23, at the Pyramids of Giza, Oleksandr Usyk vs legendary Dutch kickboxer Rico Verhoeven is set to headline the next Ring fight card. The fight has attracted controversy, with uncertainty over which governing bodies would sanction the bout. The entire card will stream live on DAZN Pay-Per-View. Ahead of the main event, former heavyweight world champion David Haye spoke to BoxingScene, identifying “the only box left to tick” for Usyk is a showdown with Deontay Wilder.
Oleksandr Usyk set for WBC defence against Rico Verhoeven
In recent weeks, it has become clearer how the WBC, IBF and WBA are viewing Oleksandr Usyk’s (24-0, 15 KOs) fight against Verhoeven (1-0, 1 KO).
The WBC changed their initial stance and confirmed the WBC heavyweight title would be on the line. Initially, it was unclear what stance the IBF and WBA would take.
“Should Usyk emerge victorious, the bout will officially count as a successful title defence,” the WBA said.
“However, the title itself will not be at stake for Verhoeven, as he is currently not ranked by the sanctioning body.
“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.”
The WBA also confirmed that Verhoeven would be eligible to enter its heavyweight rankings, should he become the first fighter to upset the mercurial Ukrainian.
If Verhoeven were to pull off the huge upset, the IBF have ruled the belt will be declared vacant, rather than being awarded to Verhoeven.
If Usyk wins, the IBF added, they will acknowledge the need for a WBC mandatory challenger before naming their own mandatory 180 days afterwards.
David Haye identifies ‘the only box left to tick’
Revealing his reaction to the news of Usyk facing Verhoeven, Haye told BoxingScene: “As soon as I heard it, it put a big smile on my face.”
“He’s given the boxing fans everything. He’s given the boxing fraternity and the hardcore purists fight after fight. If you’d have said from the amateur days, from when he’s turned over, what’s the toughest, hardest possible route for this Olympic champion to fight at cruiserweight, the fights he had, one after another, tough guys, he’s fought the very, very best, beat them, got up to heavyweight… Okay, fight AJ, fight Tyson Fury. Okay, fight him again, just in case it was a fluke. Beat them all twice.
“Now he’s like, ‘Okay, I’ve done it all. I’m going to fight a kickboxer for a load of dough who’s never had a boxing match.’ God bless him.
“If anyone deserves to be able to fight whoever they want to fight, he’s that guy. And I think he should fight this kickboxer, then fight Deontay Wilder, because then on paper, he’s beaten every man of the era. And in 50 years, looking back, no one cares that Wilder had a life and death against Dereck Chisora. No one cares. They just see the name brand there. So Usyk’s fought every dominant champion from his era and reigned supreme, remained unbeaten. I think that’s the only box left to tick,” said Haye.
Oleksandr Usyk vs Rico Verhoeven full fight card
- Oleksandr Usyk vs Rico Verhoeven
- Hamzah Sheeraz vs Alem Begic
- Shakhram Giyasov vs Jack Catterall
- Frank Sanchez vs Richard Torrez Jr.
- Mizuki Hiruta vs Mai Soliman
- Daniel Lapin vs Benjamin Mendes Tani
- Basem Mamdouh vs Jamar Talley
- Sultan Almohammed vs Dedy Imprax
- Mohamed Mabrouk Yehya vs Michael Kalyala
- Omar Hikal vs Ali Sserunkuma
Stay with Big Fight Weekend for coverage of Oleksandr Usyk vs Rico Verhoeven, including results and video highlights, and post-fight analysis.