Oleksandr Usyk is allowed to defend world title against kickboxing legend for one key reason

Oleksandr Usyk’s shock showdown with Rico Verhoeven will be fought with the former’s WBC world heavyweight title on the line.

Usyk had already been granted permission to make a voluntary defence of his titles, which was expected to be at the time against Deontay Wilder.

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But Wilder will instead now take on Derek Chisora on April 4, with the Ukrainian instead confirming he will face GLORY’s longest ever champion Verhoeven in a money-spinning clash in May.

And the news that the WBC have sanctioned Verhoeven to fight for world glory, having had just one fight in the traditional boxing ranks, has come as a surprise to many.

The WBO and WBA titles held by Usyk will not be at stake when he takes to the ring, with Verhoeven not ranked with either governing body.

Similarly the Dutch sporting legend is not ranked with the WBC, but he has still been given permission for the unique opportunity.

That is because, as confirmed by WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman, if a fighter holds a fantastic record in kickboxing or Muay Thai, it holds significant weight for any crossover opportunities.

Prestige and power is given if there is success in those other combat sports, which can help facilitate special switches over to the traditional squared circle ranks.

Experience across the board has clearly helped Verhoeven land a shot at Usyk, given he is viewed as one of the greatest kickboxers of all-time.

And when discussing the bout previously, Sulaiman suggested that it would help with his world title credentials.

He explained: “Usyk’s request for a voluntary defence, we thought it was going to be for Wilder.

“But one of the ratings criteria is for a boxer, what they do in Muay Thai in kickboxing is one of them criterias.

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“It depends on the case of each specific fighter, we would look into it with every individual case.”

And despite not yet being ranked, the bout has been confirmed, with Verhoeven’s background clearly helping him fulfil that exact criteria.

Why did Usyk to fight Verhoeven?

Usyk of course, was likely lured by the possibility of a mega commercial event.

The two-time undisputed champion at heavyweight admitted Fabio Wardley didn’t provide any commercial benefit, hence why he didn’t accept his mandatory fight.

It promises to be another bumper payday for the 39-year-old particularly given he is coming into the twilight stages of his career.

And he insists that he is interested in fighting others at the top of their sport, and Verhoeven is one of those available.

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He said: “I truly respect people who reach the very top in their sport.

“Rico is one of them – a powerful athlete and a great champion.

“Being a champion isn’t just about belts. It’s about years of hard work, discipline and belief.

“I respect his journey, he’s truly the King of Kickboxing. But this is boxing – a different game, with its own rules and its own kings.

“I’m ready and really looking forward to meeting him in the ring. It’s going to be a unique experience for both of us, and I know the fans are excited too. A big night is coming!”