World Boxing Information has spoken to a few of the heavyweight contenders sacrificed within the WBC rankings to present Rico Verhoeven his dues for pushing Oleksandr Usyk all the best way to the eleventh spherical.
The Dutch kickboxing famous person debuted at quantity eight within the newest WBC heavyweight rankings regardless of having boxed solely twice as an expert.
That call pushed a number of established contenders additional down the listing, together with unbeaten Ukrainian Andrii Novytskyi, European champion Labinot Xhoxhaj and Italian contender Guido Vianello.
‘It’s My Time’
Novytskyi moved right down to quantity twelve following Verhoeven’s arrival.
The 30-year-old Ukrainian is unbeaten at 16-0 with 12 knockouts and has constructed momentum by means of victories over Alexander Flores and David Zegarra.
Requested about Verhoeven’s rating, Novytskyi instructed WBN: “I believe it’s my time to be preventing with Rico.”
‘Quantity Eight Is Loopy’
Vianello was much more outspoken.
The Italian heavyweight, who owns victories over Arslanbek Makhmudov and Alexis Barriere, questioned Verhoeven’s place whereas additionally praising his efficiency in opposition to Usyk.
“Rico being ranked at quantity eight with the WBC is loopy!” Vianello instructed World Boxing Information.
“I can battle with him wherever and at any time when he desires.
“In opposition to Usyk, he deserved to go ahead within the battle for an additional spherical and to not be stopped.
“Now, he can battle me.”
Vianello grew to become the primary ranked heavyweight to overtly query Verhoeven’s place whereas additionally volunteering to face him.
Many observers felt the Dutchman exceeded expectations in Egypt. Others stay unconvinced {that a} single skilled defeat ought to place him forward of established contenders.
Prepared For Something
Xhoxhaj additionally finds himself beneath Verhoeven within the newest rankings regardless of holding the European heavyweight title.
The Kosovo-born contender, who boasts a 22-0-1 report with 17 knockouts, made it clear he’s open to any alternative that comes his method.
“I’m ready for something, whether or not it’s Rico Verhoeven or not,” Xhoxhaj instructed WBN.
The Subsequent Transfer
The feedback make it clear that every one three males now sitting beneath Verhoeven within the rankings would welcome the chance to check the previous GLORY champion.
The WBC has already rewarded Verhoeven’s efficiency in opposition to Usyk, whereas BoxRec has taken a far much less beneficiant view of the place he belongs among the many heavyweight contenders.
All three would face Verhoeven in a heartbeat.
Whether or not Rico would take the possibility of shedding to a different contender earlier than a proposed Usyk rematch stays debatable.
Concerning the Creator
Phil Jay is the Editor-in-Chief of World Boxing Information (WBN) and a veteran boxing reporter with 15+ years of expertise. He has interviewed world champions, damaged worldwide exclusives, and reported ringside since 2010. Learn full bio.
