WBC Announces Official Entry into Kickboxing in 2027, Heightening Competition Among Organizations
The World Boxing Council (WBC) is making another move to expand its presence in combat sports. The organization announced it will officially launch kickboxing in 2027, adding a new discipline to its existing structure that includes WBC Boxing and WBC Muay Thai.
The World Boxing Council (WBC) is making another move to expand its presence in combat sports. The organization announced it will officially launch kickboxing in 2027, adding a new discipline to its existing structure that includes WBC Boxing and WBC Muay Thai.
This decision follows a 2026 in which the WBC sanctioned a bout between Oleksandr Usyk and Rico Verhoeven, a legend of GLORY, for the heavyweight title.
Despite the strength of the brand, the initial reception among the professional kickboxing community has been lukewarm. The landscape already includes organizations such as ISKA, WKA, WKF, WAKO, WKL, IKF, and WKN, all with established title structures.
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However, in the amateur scene, there is a factor that could create opportunities: in January, WAKO changed the K-1 rules, and some in the community were unhappy with the changes. Dissatisfied gyms may see the WBC as a viable alternative with a reputable name.
For now, what is confirmed is the official launch of WBC Kickboxing in 2027. It remains to be seen how the organization will position itself in a sport already filled with numerous acronyms and titles.
Sources: FSI247 (10/22/2026) and Combat Sports Today.
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