(Mark Robinson / Matchroom Boxing)
It’s unknown if the WBA and the IBF will follow the WBC’s lead and sanction heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk’s bizarre fight with kickboxing champion Rico Verhoeven on May 23.
The WBC caused a stir when they declared that they would honor it as a real title fight despite Verhoeven only having had one professional contest. That bout, a blowout of the hapless Janos Finfera, came a mere 12 years ago.
But there are those within boxing, and more specifically the heavyweight division, who are watching the situation develop with interest.
Usyk, in December, was given permission by the WBC to make a voluntary defense though, back then, it was presumed the opponent would be Deontay Wilder and not a complete novice.
Wilder, however, opted instead for a money-spinning showdown with fellow veteran Derek Chisora in April and the promoters of that bout – led by Kalle Sauerland – are planning to approach the IBF about the possibility of their heavyweight title being awarded to the winner.
“Oleksandr Usyk has not had one single mandatory defense of the IBF title in his reign,” Sauerland told Sky Sports. “Given Chisora’s position at the very top of the [IBF] heavyweight rankings right now, and Wilder’s position as well… it would be an amazing addition for them to be able to fight for the belt.”
Chisora, incidentally, is ranked at No. 2 by the IBF and, as per their latest rankings, Wilder doesn’t appear at all.
On the WBA side is another fighter hoping to get exceptionally lucky. Murat Gassiev holds the much-maligned ‘regular’ strap and his team, according to Sky Sports, have approached the WBA about the possibility of their man being promoted to full champion.
Usyk last year relinquished the WBO title rather than face then-interim beltholder Fabio Wardley. The Briton was subsequently awarded the championship.
2026-03-06 17:07:57
