Verhoeven cites Usyk parallel in WBC title shot defence

Rico Verhoeven has defended his WBC heavyweight title shot by comparing his kickboxing dominance to Oleksandr Usyk's boxing credentials. The Dutchman pointed to his twelve-year reign as justification for the sanctioning body's decision.

“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 holds multiple kickboxing world titles in the heavyweight division and has never competed as a professional boxer. The WBC awarded him a ranking in its bridgerweight division, which sits between cruiserweight and heavyweight at 123 kg. Speaking to BBC Sport, Verhoeven said the WBC is the only major sanctioning body that recognises combat sports beyond boxing.

What it moves

The WBC has faced criticism for creating crossover opportunities that bypass traditional boxing rankings. Verhoeven suggested his kickboxing record earned him the chance, drawing a direct line to Usyk's undisputed achievement. Whether the Dutchman pursues a fight or remains ranked without competing remains unclear.

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