Rico Verhoeven defends WBC heavyweight shot: 'I defeated everybody'

Rico Verhoeven has defended his WBC heavyweight title opportunity by pointing to his kickboxing dominance. The Dutchman said his 12-year reign in the sport mirrors Oleksandr Usyk's boxing achievements.

“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 long-reigning kickboxing champion crossing into professional boxing at heavyweight. The WBC has granted him a pathway despite limited boxing experience, citing his combat-sports credentials. He competes at 123 kg, the cruiserweight-to-heavyweight boundary.

What it moves

The WBC's recognition of kickboxing and Muay Thai records remains a source of debate in traditional boxing circles. Verhoeven's remarks suggest he views his kickboxing pedigree as sufficient preparation for a world-title shot, though that stance will face scrutiny as he climbs the professional ranks.

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