The WBA has given the go-ahead for Alexander Usyk to fight Rico Verhoeven for the ‘super’ heavyweight title on May 23, subject to strict terms and conditions.
Unified champion Usyk, 39, will take on former All-Glory Taekwondo world champion Verhoeven at the Pyramids of Giza, Egypt.
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The WBC previously confirmed that Usyk’s title would be in jeopardy, but it’s uncertain whether that will also be the case for his WBA and IBF belts.
“If Usyk wins, the fight will officially be considered a successful title defense,” the WBA said.
“However, Verhoeven’s title itself is not at risk as he is not currently ranked by the sanctioning body.
“If the champion loses, the WBA Championship Committee will review his status and determine the next course of action for the heavyweight champion.”
BBC Sport has contacted the IBF for comment on whether it would allow Usyk to defend his belt.
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Usyk has previously defended his decision to fight Verhoeven, saying he should be able to “do what I want” because he has defeated Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois twice.
As a pro, Usyk has yet to lose in 24 fights and has been the undisputed champion three times – twice at heavyweight and once at lightweight.
He also won an Olympic gold medal for Ukraine at the 2012 London Olympics.
Verhoeven, 37, is well-known in the world of kickboxing but has only competed in one professional boxing match in 2014.
The WBA said that if Verhoeven becomes the first man to defeat Usyk, he will qualify for entry into its heavyweight rankings.
