However, veteran boxing reporter Lance Pugmire reported that the IBF has now decided to keep Usyk as its heavyweight champion heading into the fight.

The WBA also recently confirmed that its own heavyweight title will remain attached to the fight if Usyk is victorious.

Verhoeven is widely recognized as one of kickboxing’s biggest stars, though his professional boxing experience remains limited. His only recorded professional boxing bout came more than 12 years ago against Janos Finfera.

The IBF had not publicly clarified its position when the fight was first announced, leading to uncertainty over whether the organization could remove Usyk as champion before the event takes place.

Usyk enters the fight unbeaten as a professional boxer and currently holds the WBC, WBA, and IBF heavyweight titles. The heavyweight fight is scheduled to headline the “Glory in Giza” card, which will take place near the Pyramids in Egypt.

The IBF announces it will keep @usykaa as its heavyweight champion even as he meets a kickboxer in his May 23 title defense in Egypt since the WBC is in line for the three-belt champion and has sanctioned the fight.

— Lance Pugmire (@pugboxing) May 14, 2026