Verhoeven: WBC recognised my kickboxing credentials for title shot

Rico Verhoeven says the WBC awarded him a boxing title shot because it values his kickboxing record. The heavyweight told BBC Sport his twelve-year run in another sport earned the sanctioning body's recognition.

“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 draws a parallel between his own dominance and Oleksandr Usyk's achievements. The WBC has sanctioned kickboxing and Muay Thai bouts alongside its boxing portfolio, a policy Verhoeven credits for his credentials being acknowledged outside the ring.

What it moves

Verhoeven's remarks address criticism that crossover fighters lack boxing pedigree. The WBC's willingness to recognise combat-sport résumés beyond boxing opens a path for other kickboxers and Muay Thai champions seeking title opportunities, though opposition from traditional contenders remains likely.

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