Wba Allows Usyk To Defend Belt Against Verhoeven

The WBA has granted support for Oleksandr Usyk to take sides his 'Super' heavyweight title against Rico Verhoeven connected 23 May, but nether strict position and conditions.

Unified champion Usyk, 39, faces erstwhile Glory kickboxing world champion Verhoeven astatine nan pyramids of Giza successful Egypt.

The WBC antecedently confirmed that Usyk's title would beryllium connected nan statement but location was uncertainty astir whether that would besides beryllium nan lawsuit pinch his WBA and IBF belts.

"Should Usyk look victorious, nan bout will officially count arsenic a successful title defence," nan WBA said.

"However, nan title itself will not beryllium astatine liking for Verhoeven, arsenic he is presently not classed by nan sanctioning body.

"If nan champion were to lose, nan WBA title committee would past reappraisal his position and find nan adjacent people of action regarding nan heavyweight championship."

BBC Sport has contacted nan IBF for remark connected whether it will assistance support for Usyk to besides take sides that belt.