Oleksandr Usyk-Rico Verhoeven: IBF joins WBC, WBA in permitting showcase bout

Yes, the outcome is a foregone conclusion. The event is more spectacle than sporting competition.

Sometimes, that’s OK, especially when it comes to two-time undisputed and unbeaten three-belt heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk.

At 39, just more than a week away from his bout versus kickboxer Rico Verhoeven at Egypt’s Pyramids of Giza, Usyk, 24-0 (15 KOs), received final clearance Thursday that all three of his belts will be on the line in the event.

The IBF, which was previously involved in the close of Usyk’s reign as undisputed champion, announced that it will allow Usyk to proceed with the bout with no ill ramifications.

The IBF wrote in a formal statement, “The World Boxing Council (WBC) has sanctioned the Usyk vs. Verhoeven bout and indicated that it will enforce its mandatory bout next. Based on the rotation system, the World Boxing Association (WBA) mandatory bout would follow the WBC mandatory. Accordingly, the IBF determined that there are no affected boxers, as the IBF acknowledges the rotation system among the IBF, WBA, WBC, and WBO.

 “The IBF Board of Directors convened by video conference and determined that Usyk’s exception request should be granted, subject to the following conditions:

– If Usyk loses, the IBF Heavyweight title will be declared vacant immediately.

– If Usyk wins, the IBF will acknowledge the WBC’s position in the rotation and order the IBF mandatory bout for 180 days thereafter.

– If the WBA grants a special permit, the IBF will acknowledge the WBA’s position in the rotation and order the IBF mandatory bout for 180 days thereafter.”

Usyk has already twice defeated current WBO heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois, along with two-time champions Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury.

In the IBF, the Nos. 1 and 2 heavyweight contenders are vacant as Nos. 3 and 4 Frank Sanchez and Richard Torrez Jnr meet on the Usyk undercard to fight for mandatory position.