Verhoeven defends WBC Usyk shot: 'I did in kickboxing what he did in boxing'

Rico Verhoeven says his 12-year kickboxing reign justifies his WBC bridgerweight title shot against Oleksandr Usyk. The Dutchman will make his professional boxing debut for the belt.

“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 held Glory's heavyweight kickboxing title for over a decade. The WBC created its bridgerweight division at 123 kg and awarded Verhoeven a direct shot at Usyk, who unified the undisputed heavyweight titles before moving down. The sanctioning body recognises kickboxing credentials under its wider combat-sports umbrella.

What it moves

Speaking to BBC Sport, Verhoeven said his kickboxing dominance mirrors Usyk's boxing career. "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." The fight awaits a final date.

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