Usyk to remain IBF champion ahead of Verhoeven affair.
The choice of Rico Verhoeven as his next opponent has made it so that Oleksandr Usyk’s fight next week is the most criticised of an otherwise glittering career.
This is because Verhoeven is not a professional boxer by trade. While he had a legendary career as a kickboxer, becoming the longest-reigning Glory heavyweight champion of all time, his experience in boxing is extremely minimal.
In fact, his work in the way of pugilism consists of a single professionaly sanctioned contest, which took place in 2014 against the winless Janos Finfera. His second boxing match to be against the unified heavyweight champion is a jump of unbelievable proportions.
Due to the nature of the fight, it was unclear if Usyk would still be able to keep ahold of his belts. However, it was made clear early on that the WBC title would be on the line.
Earlier today, it was revealed that the WBA would also be sanctioning the contest, though under a certain set of conditions.
Now the IBF have become the last of the trio to confirm that Usyk will retain his status as champion, though he won’t be defending their belt on the night.
It has been revealed by the organisation that should Usyk lose to Verhoeven, their championship will be declared vacant. So, while Verhoeven can’t win it, Usyk can lose it.
However, with Usyk being as large a favourite as he is, the win alone would be a mighty feat for Verhoeven to pull off. Such a big feat, in fact, that the result itself could be considered the real prize regardless of the belts.
Many have pointed out that the IBF recently chose to strip Jai Opetaia of their cruiserweight championship after he fought Brandon Glanton under Zuffa Boxing, an action seemingly contradicted by their ruling here.
Regardless, Usyk shall be making his way to the Pyramids of Giza with every title still tied to his name, and his only duty is to make sure that remains the case afterwards.
‼️IBF STATEMENT ON USYK-RICO BOUT
IBF release an official statement on the unsanctioned Oleksandr Usyk vs Rico Verhoeven bout:
❌ Should Usyk lose the IBF heavyweight title becomes vacant immediately.
✅ Upon winning Usyk MUST face IBF mandatory challenger within 180 days. pic.twitter.com/VeokMsIL9v
— On The Record Boxing (@OnTheRecordBox) May 14, 2026
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