Verhoeven compares kickboxing reign to Usyk as WBC credentials

Rico Verhoeven has defended his WBC heavyweight title shot by drawing parallels between his kickboxing dominance and Oleksandr Usyk's boxing career. The Dutchman pointed to the WBC's recognition of combat sports beyond boxing.

“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 pushing for a professional boxing debut under WBC sanction despite no prior pro bouts. The 123 kg fighter has faced questions over whether his kickboxing record should translate into a sanctioned heavyweight opportunity. The WBC awards titles across multiple disciplines, including kickboxing and Muay Thai.

What it moves

The comparison sets up a potential debate over crossover credentials in boxing's highest division. Verhoeven's argument hinges on the WBC's broader remit, though opponents are likely to question whether kickboxing dominance warrants a world title path without climbing the professional boxing rankings first.

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