In a bold move, the camp of Murat Gassiev has called upon the World Boxing Association (WBA) to strip Oleksandr Usyk of his title if his upcoming bout against Rico Verhoeven does not include the belt. This demand comes as uncertainty looms over the status of Usyk’s titles amidst his highly anticipated fight against the kickboxing sensation.
The Ukrainian boxing legend, Oleksandr Usyk, is set to defend his WBC heavyweight title against Rico Verhoeven on May 23 at the iconic Pyramids of Giza. However, the inclusion of his other titles, particularly the WBA belt, remains unclear. This ambiguity has prompted Gassiev’s team to urge the WBA to take decisive action.
Usyk’s reign as the undisputed heavyweight champion has been nothing short of spectacular. Since winning the Olympic gold medal in 2012, Usyk has maintained a flawless professional record of 24-0. His victory over Tyson Fury in May 2024 marked a historic moment, as he became the undisputed heavyweight champion, holding the WBC, WBA (Super), WBO, IBF, IBO, and The Ring belts.
The upcoming fight against Verhoeven, a dominant heavyweight kickboxer, has sparked considerable debate within the boxing community. Verhoeven’s only professional boxing appearance dates back to 2014, raising questions about his eligibility to challenge for the heavyweight title. Despite his impressive kickboxing career, Verhoeven’s lack of recent boxing experience has left many wondering about the fairness and legitimacy of the bout.
Promoter Kalle Sauerland has been actively lobbying for Derek Chisora to fight for Usyk’s IBF title, adding another layer of complexity to the situation. Meanwhile, Lawrence Okolie, the WBC No. 1 contender, expects Usyk to eventually vacate the WBC title, potentially opening the door for a fight against Agit Kabayel for the vacant belt.
The heavyweight championship has always been the symbolic center of boxing, and the decision to allow a fighter absent from professional boxing for twelve years to challenge for the title has raised eyebrows. This move underscores the evolving landscape of championship fights and the criteria used to approve them.
As the boxing world eagerly awaits the clash at the Pyramids of Giza, the demand from Gassiev’s camp adds a new dimension to the narrative. The WBA’s response to this call for action will be closely watched, as it could have significant implications for the future of Usyk’s titles and the heavyweight division as a whole.
Team_TBE Boxing
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