IBF makes ruling on Oleksandr Usyk’s title as fight with kickboxer Rico Verhoeven looms

The IBF has outlined its plan for Oleksandr Usyk ’s heavyweight title, as the unified champion prepares to fight kickboxer Rico Verhoeven this month. On 23 May, Usyk will face Verhoeven at the pyramids of Giza in Egypt , defending the WBC heavyweight title against the Dutchman. Usyk also holds the IBF and WBA belts, and because he was granted this voluntary title defence against Verhoeven, he must partake in a WBC mandatory defence next – or be stripped of the belt.

Now, the IBF has moved to secure its place in the chain, having issued a statement on Thursday. Oleksandr Usyk (centre) after beating Daniel Dubois for the second time, last summer (PA Wire) “On April 16, 2026, the International Boxing Federation (IBF) received a letter from John Hornewer on behalf of IBF/WBA/WBC Unified Heavyweight Champion Oleksandr Usyk ,” the statement began, “requesting that the IBF permit Usyk to participate in an unsanctioned contest against Rico Verhoeven on May 23, 2026, in Giza, Egypt. “Pursuant to IBF Rule 5.

H. , ‘An unsanctioned contest is a fight which the IBF has not formally approved for sanction or where sanction has been formally withdrawn. If a Champion participates in an unsanctioned contest within his prescribed weight limit, the title will be declared vacant whether the Champion wins or loses the bout.

’ “The World Boxing Council (WBC) has sanctioned the Usyk vs. Verhoeven bout and indicated that it will enforce its mandatory bout next. Based on the rotation system, the World Boxing Association (WBA) mandatory bout would follow the WBC mandatory.