The boxing world is abuzz with a potential clash that could shake up the heavyweight division! Oleksandr Usyk, the unified champion, is set to defend his WBC title against kickboxer Rico Verhoeven. But here's the twist: Usyk's IBF and WBA belts might be in jeopardy.
Usyk, the undefeated 39-year-old, has relinquished the WBO belt, and now the focus is on his other titles. The Ukrainian star's decision to face Verhoeven at the iconic Pyramids of Giza on May 23 has raised questions about the status of his IBF and WBA championships. With Tyson Fury having sparred with Verhoeven in the past, and Peter Fury training the kickboxer for this bout, the fight is already generating buzz.
But here's where it gets controversial: Derek Chisora's promoter, Kalle Sauerland, is pushing for a vacant IBF belt fight for his fighter, citing Usyk's lack of mandatory defenses. Sauerland believes that Chisora and Wilder, with their impressive careers, deserve a shot at the title. This could potentially leave Usyk's IBF belt in limbo.
Adding to the intrigue, Murat Gassiev, the WBA 'regular' champion, is also seeking answers. Gassiev's promoter, Al Siesta, suggests that Usyk's pursuit of lucrative 'event' fights might delay heavyweight division activity. Siesta proposes that if Usyk's WBA title isn't on the line against Verhoeven, he should be stripped or declared 'Champion in Recess', allowing Gassiev to become the 'Super' champion.
Usyk's team, the IBF, and the WBA have been contacted, but the situation remains uncertain. Will Usyk's IBF and WBA belts be at risk? And what does this mean for the heavyweight landscape? Stay tuned as this story unfolds, and feel free to share your predictions in the comments below!
