The IBF has outlined its plan for Oleksandr Usyk ’s heavyweight title, as the unified champion prepares to fight kickboxer Rico Verhoeven this month. On 23 May, Usyk will face Verhoeven at the pyramids of Giza in Egypt , defending the WBC heavyweight title against the Dutchman. Usyk also holds the IBF and WBA belts, and because he was granted this voluntary title defence against Verhoeven, he must partake in a WBC mandatory defence next – or be stripped of the belt. Now, the IBF has moved to secure its place in the chain, having issued a statement on Thursday. Oleksandr Usyk (centre) after beating Daniel Dubois for the second time, last summer (PA Wire) “On April 16, 2026, the International Boxing Federation (IBF) received a letter from John Hornewer on behalf of IBF/WBA/WBC Unified Heavyweight Champion Oleksandr Usyk ,” the statement began, “requesting that the IBF permit Usyk to participate in an unsanctioned contest against Rico Verhoeven on May 23, 2026, in Giza, Egypt.…