The World Boxing Association has approved Oleksandr Usyk to defend his “Super” heavyweight title against former kickboxing champion Rico Verhoeven in Egypt.
According to BBC Sport, the crossover bout is scheduled for May 23 at the Pyramids of Giza, setting up a rare heavyweight contest between a world boxing champion and a dominant kickboxing figure.
The WBA confirmed that the fight would count as an official title defence for Usyk but clarified that Verhoeven would not be eligible to win the belt because he is currently unranked by the sanctioning body.
The organisation said: “Should Usyk emerge victorious, the bout will officially count as a successful title defence.
“However, the title itself will not be at stake for Verhoeven, as he is currently not ranked by the sanctioning body.”
The WBA added that Usyk’s status as champion would be reviewed if the Ukrainian suffers defeat in the fight.
It said: “If the champion were to lose, the WBA championship committee would then review his status and determine the next course of action regarding the heavyweight championship.”
Usyk heads into the contest unbeaten in 24 professional fights and remains one of boxing’s most accomplished heavyweight champions.
The Ukrainian southpaw previously unified all major heavyweight and cruiserweight world titles, recording victories over top fighters including Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois.
The 38-year-old has defended his decision to face Verhoeven, insisting he has earned the right to choose his opponents.
Verhoeven, a former Glory heavyweight champion and one of kickboxing’s biggest names, has only one professional boxing appearance, which came in 2014.
The fight is expected to attract global attention because of its unusual matchup and the historic setting at one of the world’s most recognisable landmarks.
