IBF Issues Ultimatum to Usyk Ahead of May Showdown

What Alexander Usyk Must Do to Keep His Title

According to Главком: The International Boxing Federation (IBF) has laid out the conditions for Alexander Usyk to retain his championship belt in the fight against Rico Verhoeven, scheduled for May 23. Should Usyk lose, the IBF heavyweight title will be declared vacant immediately. However, even if Verhoeven wins, he will not be awarded the IBF belt. If Usyk emerges victorious, the bout will count as a successful title defense.

Similarly, the World Boxing Association (WBA) has adopted the same approach: the title stays with Usyk if he wins, but Verhoeven is ineligible to claim it. Following the Verhoeven fight, Usyk is required to make a mandatory defense of the IBF title within 180 days. The match will take place in Egypt, at the Giza pyramids.

Usyk's Current Status and Championship Belts

Additionally, the World Boxing Council (WBC) has sanctioned a voluntary defense of the Ukrainian's belt in this fight. In Ukraine, the Usyk–Verhoeven bout will be broadcast on the Kyivstar TV platform. Alexander Usyk has also vacated the WBO heavyweight world title, thereby losing his status as the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world.

As of now, Usyk holds the WBC, WBA, and IBF belts. His last fight took place in July 2025, when he knocked out Daniel Dubois in the fifth round to become a three-time undisputed world champion. Serhiy Lapin, a director at Usyk's company Ready To Fight, commented:

“Becoming a three-time undisputed champion in the heavyweight division is history. It’s a huge challenge, and Alexander is very motivated to achieve it.”

The Usyk vs. Verhoeven fight is significant not only for the boxer's career but also for the growth of boxing in Ukraine and on the global stage. A victory would strengthen Usyk's standing as one of the world's top boxers and reaffirm his place in the heavyweight division. Given the restrictions placed on Verhoeven, the bout also highlights the stakes involved in holding onto titles amid fierce competition in the boxing world.

As Usyk prepares for his upcoming fight against Verhoeven, the implications of this match extend beyond the ring. Should he emerge victorious, it could pave the way for a highly anticipated clash with Benavidez, targeted for 2027. This potential bout would not only enhance Usyk's legacy but also spotlight the growing prominence of boxing in Ukraine. For more details on this exciting prospect, read about the planned Usyk vs. Benavidez matchup here.