Boxer Oleksandr Usyk has been granted permission by the World Boxing Association (WBA) to defend his WBA heavyweight world championship belt against Rico Verhoeven.
"The WBA has reviewed the special request and granted Oleksandr Usyk authorization to fight and retain his champion status," the WBA said on its website, monitored in Jakarta on Friday.
The Ukrainian champion was allowed to do so under the strict condition that the title would not be contested by Verhoeven as the Dutchman is not yet ranked by the WBA.
The terms for the fight refer to WBA rules, taking into account the interests of the competition and taking into account the status of the champion, his opponent, and the other heavyweight boxers in the rankings.
If Usyk wins, the fight will count as a successful defense of his title.
However, if he loses, the WBA Championship Committee will review his status and determine the next steps regarding the heavyweight title.
For Verhoeven, a win would not grant him recognition as a WBA title holder, but would qualify him for the WBA heavyweight rankings.
