Oleksandr Usyk receives conditions to expose his WBA title

The panorama of the heavyweights has given an unexpected turn with the recent decision of the World Boxing Association (AMB) regarding the next commitment of their monarch. The Ukrainian Oleksandr Usyk is preparing to return to the ring on May 23, facing Rico Verhoevena legendary kickboxing figure who barely has previous experience in professional boxing.

Given this scenario, the organization run by Gilberto Jesus Mendoza issued an official statement detailing the terms under which the meeting will take place.

Subscribe to DAZN here and don’t miss the best of BOXING

According to the AMB, Oleksandr Usyk is allowed to display his super champion crown, although the title will not be formally in dispute for his opponentsince Verhoeven is not part of the institution’s official rating.

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 WBA noted: “After the request for special permission, the WBA studied the case and will allow the Ukrainian to display his crown, which will not be at stake for his opponent, since he is not a qualifier of the organization”. This ensures that even though there is action in the ring, the status of the championship is protected.

For Oleksandr Usykthis duel represents a controlled but significant risk. If he is victorious, the win will be officially recorded as a successful defense of his belt. However, The agency was emphatic in clarifying that an adverse result would require an immediate review of his position as monarch of the highest category.

Consequences of a possible surprise result

The organization also defined what would happen if Verhoeven managed to beat the Ukrainian. In the statement released by the AMB the following is specified: “If the champion were to lose this fight, the body will review his status through the committee to make a decision on his situation.”. This implies that Oleksandr Usyk could lose its administrative recognition even if the belt does not 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 AMB concluded in its report that “In the case of Verhoeven, a victory would not give him the option of any WBA title, but he would be eligible to be ranked by the pioneering entity”allowing you a direct entry into the world rankings.

The path to definitive unification

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

This fight May 23 will be predominant for the future of the division. Fans are waiting to see if the refined technique of Oleksandr Usyk is imposed by Verhoeven’s strength, or whether the strict conditions imposed by the WBA will end up being the center of the conversation after the splendid verdict in the ring.

Keep reading:

• David Benavídez affirms that there are many obstacles to fighting Jai Opetaia
• Naoya Inoue does not plan to retire, although his team insists that he hang up his gloves
• Maravilla Martínez sparks controversy considering Gennady Golovkin as overrated