WBA allows Usyk to defend belt against VerhoevenImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Oleksandr Usyk (left) has won 15 of his 24 fights inside the distanceByBobbie JacksonBBC Sport journalistPublished14 May 2026, 14:38 BSTUpdated 20 minutes agoThe WBA has granted permission for Oleksandr Usyk to defend his ‘Super’ heavyweight title against Rico Verhoeven on 23 May, but under strict terms and conditions.Unified champion Usyk, 39, faces former Glory kickboxing world champion Verhoeven at the pyramids of Giza in Egypt.
The WBC previously verified that Usyk’s title would be on the line but there was uncertainty around whether that would also be the case with his WBA and IBF belts.
“Should Usyk emerge victorious, the bout will officially count as a successful title defence,” the WBA stated.
“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.”
BBC Sport has contacted the IBF for comment on whether it will grant permission for Usyk to also defend that belt.
