The heavyweight panorama has taken an unexpected turn with the recent decision by the World Boxing Association (WBA) regarding the next commitment of its monarch. The Ukrainian Oleksandr Usy k is preparing to return to the ring next May 23rd, facing Rico Verhoeven, a legendary figure in kickboxing who barely has previous experience in professional boxing.

Given this scenario, the organism led by Gilberto Jesús Mendoza issued an official statement detailing the terms under which the meeting will take place.

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According to the WBA, Oleksandr Usyk is allowed to display his super champion crown, although the title will not be formally in dispute for his opponent, given that Verhoeven is not part of the institution's official ranking.

The governing body specifications

The decision to allow this fight is based on Rule C.40 of the association's internal regulations. In its public statement, the AMB stated: “After the request for the special permission, the AMB studied the case and allowed It will allow the Ukrainian to display his crown, which will not be at stake for his opponent, as he is not a qualifier of the organization. This guarantees that, even if there is action in the ring, the status of the championship is protected.

For Oleksandr Usyk, this duel represents a controlled but significant risk. If he achieves victory, the triumph will be officially recorded as a successful defense of his belt. However, the body was emphatic in clarifying that an adverse result would oblige an immediate review of his position as a top rank monarch.

Consequences of a possible surprising result

The organisation also defined what would happen in case that Verhoeven manages to beat the Ukrainian. In the communication disseminated by the WBA the following is specified: “If the champion loes this fight, the organis "mo will review his status through the committee to make a decision on his situation." This implies that Oleksandr Usyk could lose his administrative recognition even if the belt doesn't physically change hands.

On the other hand, for the Dutch challenger, a victory would not make him a champion, but it would open the doors of traditional elite boxing. The WBA concluded in its report that “in the case of V erhoeven, a victory wouldn't give him option to any WBA title, but he would be eligible to be ranked by the pioneer entity”, allowing a direct entry to the world rankings.

The path to definitive unification

While the World Boxing Council(WBC) had already given its clearance for its green and gold title to be involved, the stance of the WBA was the missing piece in the puzzle. With this specific permission al, Oleksandr Usyk maintains his constant activity while the sports world watches how a specialist in mixed martial arts and kickboxing attempts to challenge the owner of the main belts in boxing.

This fight on May 23 will be fundamental for the future of the division. Fans wait to see whether Oleksandr Usyk's refined technique beats the Verhoeven's strength, or if the strict conditions imposed by the WBA will end up being the focus of the conversation after the final verdict in the ring.