The IBF is now on board with next week's Oleksandr Usyk vs. Rico Verhoeven bout. None of the three sanctioning bodies will strip world champion Usyk for participating in a fight vs. the unranked Verhoeven. However, Verhoeven will not become IBF champion even if he should pull the monumental upset. Here is what the IBF wrote: "On April 16, 2026, the IBF received a letter from [attorney] John Hornewer on behalf of IBF/WBA/WBC unified heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk requesting that the IBF permit Usyk to participate in an unsanctioned contest against [kickboxer] Rico Verhoeven on May 23rd, 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contest is a fight which the IBF has not formally approved for sanction or where sanction has been formally withdrawn.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 WBC has sanctioned the Usyk vs. Verhoeven bout and indicated that it will enforce its mandatory bout next. Based on the rotation system, the WBA mandatory bout would follow the WBC mandatory. Accordingly, the IBF determined that there are no affected boxers, as the IBF acknowledges the rotation system among the IBF, WBA, WBC, and WBO.
"On April 29th, the IBF Board of Directors convened by video conference and determined that Usyk's exception request should be granted, subject to the following conditions: 1. If Usyk loses on May 23rd. the IBF heavyweight title will be declared vacant immediately; 2. If Usyk wins on May 23rd, the IBF will acknowledge the WBC's position in the rotation and order the IBF mandatory bout for one hundred eighty (180) days thereafter. 3. If the WBA grants a special permit [exception to its mandatory defense requirement], the IBF will acknowledge the WBA's position in the rotation and order the IBF mandatory bout for one hundred eighty (180) days thereafter. 4. The IBF reserves the right to amend the mandatory date in the event of substantial delays in the rotation."
PRIOR BOXINGTALK COVERAGE
MAY 14, 2026: The WBA Championship Committee has granted Oleksandr Usyk permission to defend his WBA belt in his upcoming May 23rd clash against kickboxer Rico Verhoeven. As a boxer, Verhoeven is clearly unqualified to challenge Usyk, the true world heavyweight champion (Usyk is also recognozed by the IBF and WBC. Daniel Dubois hods the WBO title but Usyk has defeated Dubois twice). As a traditional boxer, Verhoeven is just 1-0 with 1 KO having won a very low-level contest about a dozen years ago. Should Usyk emerge victorious, the bout will officially count as a successful title defense. 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. As for Verhoeven, a victory would not earn him any WBA title recognition, although it would make him eligible to enter the organization’s heavyweight rankings.
With the WBC already sanctioning the bout, the WBA claims it has imposed "strict terms and conditions" which essentially make this a one-way sanction. The WBA wrote: "Following a special request submitted to the organization, the WBA reviewed the case and authorized the Ukrainian star to enter the bout carrying his championship status. However, the title itself will not be at stake for Verhoeven, as he is currently not ranked by the sanctioning body. The Committee explained that the sanctioning of the contest falls under the provisions of WBA Rule C.40, taking into account the 'interests of competition' while also considering the standing of the super champion, his opponent, and the rest of the ranked heavyweight contenders."
On May 23rd, Usyk will box Verhoeven, a kickboxing legend, at the Pyramids in Egypt, live worldwide on DAZN. At a recent press conference in London, Usyk made it clear that the upcoming bout is an act of personal will. At an event organized by Matchroom Boxing, Usyk briefly addressed criticism regarding the apparent mismatch of a champion fighting someone who is 1-0 as a boxer, Usyk responded with a serenity that struck those in attendance: “For once, I want to do what I want, not what I need,” the Ukrainian declared. “Many times I do what other people need… now I do what I need. For me, it is a challenge.” In fairness, it must be mentioned that Usyk has cleared out the division by defeating Dubois, Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua twice each in his last six fights.
