IBF Rules on Oleksandr Usyk’s Title Ahead of Verhoeven Fight

The IBF has clarified its position regarding Oleksandr Usyk's heavyweight title as the unified champion prepares for an upcoming match against kickboxer Rico Verhoeven. On May 23, 2026, Usyk will defend his WBC heavyweight title against Verhoeven at the pyramids of Giza in Egypt. Usyk, who also holds the IBF and WBA belts, is required to follow up this voluntary defense with a mandatory WBC defense to maintain his title.

On April 16, 2026, the International Boxing Federation received a request from Usyk’s representative, John Hornewer, asking for permission to participate in this unsanctioned bout against Verhoeven. The IBF's ruling highlighted that if a champion engages in an unsanctioned contest, the title may become vacant regardless of the fight's outcome.

The WBC has sanctioned the Usyk-Verhoeven bout and indicated that it will enforce a mandatory bout next, as per the rotation among the major boxing organizations, including IBF, WBA, WBC, and WBO. On April 29, 2026, the IBF Board of Directors convened and granted Usyk’s request under specific conditions.

If Usyk loses to Verhoeven, the IBF heavyweight title will be declared vacant. However, if he wins, the IBF will acknowledge the WBC's mandatory title bout requirement, and Usyk will be obligated to defend his IBF title within 180 days following the WBC mandatory fight. Furthermore, if a special permit is granted by the WBA, the IBF will respect the WBA’s position in the rotation when mandating Usyk's next fight.

At the age of 39, Usyk faces a significant challenge against the 37-year-old Verhoeven, who is a noted kickboxing figure. The IBF emphasized that there are no current challengers ranked No. 1 and No. 2 in the heavyweight division, although Agit Kabayel is the mandatory challenger for the WBC, and Murat Gassiev ranks No. 1 with the WBA.

Additionally, Daniel Dubois holds the WBO title after defeating Fabio Wardley last weekend and aims to regain undisputed status after previously losing to Usyk last summer.