Verhoeven says WBC recognition justifies Usyk title shot

Rico Verhoeven has defended his right to challenge Oleksandr Usyk, citing his kickboxing dominance as the basis for the WBC's decision to grant him credentials in 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 competes at 123 kg and has moved into boxing after a lengthy kickboxing career. The WBC sanctioned his path towards Usyk, a move that has drawn scrutiny given Verhoeven's limited boxing experience compared to ranked heavyweight contenders.

What it moves

The WBC's recognition of kickboxing achievements remains contentious among traditional boxing observers. Verhoeven's comparison to Usyk's own boxing reign sets up a crossover narrative, though no fight has been confirmed. The sanctioning body's willingness to credit combat sports outside boxing could shape future heavyweight mandatories.

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