Oleksandr Usyk's IBF and WBA belts could be at risk if he fights Rico Verhoeven in a WBC heavyweight title defence

Oleksandr Usyk will defend his WBC title against Rico Verhoeven, but the unified champion's IBF and WBA belts could be at risk.

The Ukrainian star has announced that he will face kickboxer Rico Verhoeven at the Pyramids of Giza, with the WBC confirming that Usyk is making a voluntary defence of his heavyweight belt on May 23.

Usyk also holds the IBF and WBA belts, but it remains unclear whether the governing bodies will also agree for their belts to be on the line against Verhoeven.

The unbeaten 39-year-old relinquished the WBO belt in October and mandatory challenger Fabio Wardley was elevated as the new WBO champion, although Usyk could be ordered to fulfil more title commitments.

Derek Chisora defeated Otto Wallin in an IBF eliminator last February and promoter Kalle Sauerland is lobbying for Chisora to receive a fight for a vacant IBF belt.