Oleksandr Usyk will defend his WBC heavyweight title against Rico Verhoeven on May 23 in Giza, Egypt, with the fight taking place near the Pyramids. The event will be broadcast worldwide on DAZN pay-per-view.
The fight has attracted attention throughout boxing after it was approved as a full title defense by the WBC Board of Governors. The sanctioning body initially placed the matchup as a special event, later confirming that it would be contested for the belt.
That change has sparked debate within the sport, including a reaction from rising British heavyweight Moussa Itauma.
Moussa Itauma questions WBC decision
Moses Itauma spoke to Ariel Helwani after the WBC confirmed the fight would receive full title status. The 21-year-old said Usyk has earned the right to choose his opponents, but questioned whether the decision was fair.
"Usyk, he can do whatever he wants. He's earned this right. But I don't like to use the word fair, but I don't think he should be allowed to fight for a world title."
"Obviously, like I said, Usyk has earned the right to do whatever he wants, but I don't think it's right for Rico to be able to fight for a world title in his first fight. It's a little crazy."
Itauma also addressed the occasion on Verhoeven's behalf.
"If Rico got a chance to fight Usyk for the WBC title, it would be foolish for him not to take it. It's only fair if he's able to fight for it in his first fight. It's a little crazy."
Rico Verhoeven enters his first major boxing title fight
Rico Verhoeven, 36, is a longtime kickboxing champion who has built his reputation on glory with victories over the top names in that sport. His professional boxing record includes one fight in 2014.
The fight against Usyk will be his first appearance in a major boxing event. The WBC's decision to sanction the bout as a title fight came after its initial status was changed.
Dan Rafael and other members of the media reported the WBC's earlier stance on the matchup.
"The WBC fully supports this crossover fight. This will be the WBC's signature event. And we will create an incredible belt featuring elements of the Egyptian pyramids. The WBC supports Fury vs. Ngannou [sic]Joe proved to be very competitive, and we have full respect for Rico as a great kickboxing heavyweight champion. At this time, the request for a title defense has not been discussed and only a special event involving the WBC Heavyweight Champion has been discussed.
That situation later changed, with the WBC confirming that the fight would be for the title.
"After careful consideration. The WBC Board of Governors has ruled in favor of approving the voluntary title defense of WBC World Heavyweight Champion Oleksandr Usyk against veteran kickboxing champion Rico Verhoeven."
Organizers have positioned the event as a global showcase with international distribution through DAZN pay-per-view.
Usyk prepares for next title defense
Oleksandr Usyk entered the bout undefeated with a 24-0 record and 15 knockouts. The Ukrainian holds multiple heavyweight titles and remains active at the top level of the division.
The May 23 contest will serve as his next defense of the WBC belt, with Verhoeven stepping up to challenge despite his limited boxing experience. Itauma, who has a 13-0 record with 11 knockouts, continues to build his career with an eye on growth in the heavyweight division.
The decision to upgrade the bout to a title bout has put the focus on the matchup, with eyes now turning to how the bout plays out and what it could mean for future opportunities in the heavyweight division.
