The World Boxing Association (WBA) will not sanction the title fight between heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk and Rico Verhoeven, the organization's official website reported.
The reason for not sanctioning the fight was that Verhoeven is not included in the WBA rating. Accordingly, the Dutchman cannot claim the championship title according to the organization.
Despite this, the World Boxing Association has allowed Usyk to defend his belt against Verhoeven. If the Ukrainian wins, the fight will be counted as a successful title defense. However, if the champion loses, the WBA will review his status and consider further action regarding the heavyweight championship.
Verhoeven, who cannot claim the WBA world champion belt, will still receive certain dividends. If the Dutchman can defeat Usyk, then he will be included in the organization's rating. Thus, Verhoeven could claim the belt in the future.
The WBC sanctioned a fight between Usyk and Verhoeven in March 2026. In addition, the winner of the fight will receive the unique “King of the Nile” belt.
The fight between Oleksandr Usyk and Rico Verhoeven will take place on Saturday, May 23, and the venue will be Giza, Egypt, where the boxers will meet against the backdrop of the pyramids.