Badien Hasso set for first defence of WBC International light-heavyweight crown against David Kerkmann

Badien Hasso defends his WBC International crown against David Kerkmann in Germany

The light heavyweight division is bound to be set alight in European territory on July 17th, 2026, when the reigning monarch Badien Hasso steps into the ring to make the first defence of his World Boxing Council International title, against the dangerous and highly motivated challenger, David Kerkmann.

The defending champion, Hasso, enters this bout with peak motivation after capturing this prestigious crown in May, when he delivered a boxing masterclass to hand a first defeat to the gritty and previously unbeaten Mexican, Víctor Vicente Correa Ramos.

Now, the 175-pound ruler looks to solidify his reign in what has been approved as a voluntary defence.

Challenger Kerkmann steps into the opportunity of a lifetime riding on an impeccable momentum, backed by a convincing victory this past April when he categorically defeated Etem Bayramoglu, deservingly earning his right to challenge for the Green and Gold Belt.

For Hasso, retaining the title requires passing this crucial first acid test, while for Kerkmann, it represents the ideal springboard to catapult himself straight into the Top 15 of the WBC global rankings.