Oleksander Usyk vs Rico Verhoeven set with Ring title added to line

WBC sanctions Giza title fight despite Verhoeven’s 1-0 record as WBA and IBF positions remain unclear

Oleksandr Usyk (22-0, 14 KOs) will defend his WBC heavyweight title against Rico Verhoeven on May 23 in Giza after the sanctioning body approved the bout. The decision places a belt on the line against a 1-0 challenger and leaves the WBA and IBF yet to confirm their positions.

The Ukrainian champion currently holds three of the four major heavyweight titles, and the WBC has confirmed its belt will be on the line for the May 23 event at the Pyramids of Giza. Verhoeven enters the fight with a decorated kickboxing record but limited boxing experience, making the matchup one of the more unconventional title fights in recent memory.

Ring Magazine championship is also expected to be at stake following a recent social media post from the publication. Usyk has held that title since 2022, when it became vacant after Tyson Fury relinquished it. He has since defended it in wins over Anthony Joshua, Daniel Dubois, and Fury.

There is still no official confirmation from the International Boxing Federation or the World Boxing Association on whether their titles will be included or if they will allow Usyk to proceed without consequences. Neither belt featured at the initial press conference for the event.

Even without full sanctioning clarity, the fight places Verhoeven in rare territory, with the chance to challenge for major honors against one of boxing’s top heavyweights despite limited time in the sport.

Usyk has indicated he plans to return to more traditional matchups after this bout. A potential target is the winner of Fabio Wardley vs. Daniel Dubois, as he looks to pursue a third undisputed championship run, having already achieved that status at cruiserweight.

This situation feels like a glitch in the sport’s own rulebook. On one side is boxing’s most respected lineal prize. On the other hand is a challenger with one professional bout. The Ring title is usually tied to #1 vs. #2 matchups, built on rankings rather than opportunity. Because Oleksandr Usyk already holds it, he can defend it against an approved opponent, and that approval has now been granted.

By signing off on this, Ring Magazine is treating Rico Verhoeven as more than a 1-0 boxer. His standing as a long-time kickboxing champion has been taken into account, which shifts the usual standard the title follows. That choice puts the spotlight on the scale of the event rather than the rankings that typically decide eligibility.

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