Boxing-Usyk defends decision to fight kickboxer Verhoeven

Boxing - Oleksandr Usyk & Rico Verhoeven Press Conference - The Pelligon, London, Britain - April 14, 2026 Oleksandr Usyk and Rico Verhoeven shake hands during the press conference Action Images via Reuters/Matthew Childs

April 15 (Reuters) - World heavyweight ⁠champion Oleksandr Usyk said he should be allowed ⁠to do what he wants for once following criticism ‌of his decision to put his WBC title on the line against Dutch kickboxer Rico Verhoeven.

Usyk, who has not boxed since beating Britain's Daniel Dubois ​at London's Wembley Stadium last July, ⁠will face Verhoeven on ⁠May 23 in Egypt.