Rico Verhoeven defends WBC bridgerweight title shot

Rico Verhoeven has defended his WBC bridgerweight title opportunity by comparing his kickboxing achievements to Oleksandr Usyk's boxing credentials. The Dutchman said the sanctioning body recognised his combat-sports record when offering him a championship chance.

“Like what Oleksandr did within boxing, I did within kickboxing for 12 years. Defeat everybody and some people multiple times. The WBC is also the only organisation that looks at kickboxing and Muay Thai. So for them, they recognised and gave me my credentials.”

— Rico Verhoeven, via BBC Sport

What Rico Verhoeven said

Verhoeven is a decorated kickboxer who has never had a professional boxing match. The WBC created its bridgerweight division for fighters between cruiserweight and heavyweight, capping the limit at 224 pounds. The sanctioning body's decision to offer Verhoeven a title shot has drawn criticism from professional boxers who argue crossover fighters should earn their opportunities through the traditional ranking system.

What it moves

Verhoeven pointed to the WBC's unique approach to combat sports as validation for his opportunity. The organisation has historically acknowledged kickboxing and Muay Thai achievements alongside boxing records. Whether Verhoeven pursues the bridgerweight title or remains in kickboxing will depend on the financial terms and opponent the WBC can deliver.

Source: bbc.com. Full Rico Verhoeven fight history and recent news at boxingnews.com.