Verhoeven compares kickboxing run to Usyk's boxing dominance

Rico Verhoeven says his 12-year reign in kickboxing mirrors Oleksandr Usyk's achievements in boxing as he pushes for a crossover bout. The heavyweight kickboxer cited his record against top opponents when explaining why the WBC has recognised his credentials.

“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 has called for a fight with Usyk after the Ukrainian became undisputed heavyweight champion last year. The WBC has previously awarded special titles to kickboxers and Muay Thai fighters, setting a precedent for crossover recognition. Verhoeven competes at 123 kg, heavier than boxing's traditional heavyweight limit.

What it moves

Verhoeven's pitch hinges on the WBC's willingness to sanction the bout rather than Usyk's interest. Usyk has not publicly responded to the challenge. The WBC would need to clarify whether it would stage the fight under boxing rules, kickboxing rules, or a hybrid format before any negotiations could advance.

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