WBC grants voluntary bout with Rico Verhoeven before mandatory order for Agit Kabayel
Oleksandr Usyk will defend his WBC heavyweight title against former undisputed kickboxing champion Rico Verhoeven on May 23 in Egypt. The bout marks a rare crossover championship defense under full boxing rules.
The WBC approved the contest as a voluntary defense. President Mauricio Sulaiman has already confirmed that interim champion Agit Kabayel, 25-0, will be mandated next. That makes this a one-fight window before the sanctioning body enforces its order.
Usyk, 22-0, stopped Daniel Dubois in five rounds at Wembley Stadium in their rematch to regain undisputed status before relinquishing the WBO belt, now held by Fabio Wardley. The WBC title now anchors his position at heavyweight.
Verhoeven, 36, has not boxed professionally in twelve years and has done so only once before. He is not ranked in the WBC top 15. His title opportunity is rooted in his standing as a long-reigning kickboxing champion, not in recent boxing rounds.
The crossover element defines this assignment. Kickboxing range, scoring and clinch structure differ from championship boxing. Twelve boxing rounds require pacing, ring generalship and clean punching under a scoring system that rewards effective aggression and ring control.
Usyk addressed the challenge directly.
“I truly respect people who reach the very top in their sport,” he said.
“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.”
Usyk.works behind a disciplined jab, shifts his lead foot to create angles, and releases combinations once he sets his feet. He controls exchanges with timing and punch selection. Against a crossover opponent adjusting to boxing rhythm and scoring, that experience is important.
Verhoeven explained the opportunity in competitive terms.
“I spent twelve years as the undisputed heavyweight kickboxing champion and accomplished everything I set out to accomplish,” he said.
“I wasn’t looking for comfort, so I started looking for the highest challenge available in another world.
“Undisputed versus undisputed. The best facing the best.”
The belt structure is clear. This is a voluntary defense granted ahead of a mandated bout with Kabayel. Once the crossover contest concludes, the WBC order moves into effect. The heavyweight title picture will then return to its standard ranking sequence under sanctioning rules.