Ukrainian heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk has expressed his willingness to enter discussions regarding a title defense against Agit Kabayel, who is his mandatory challenger under the WBC. This announcement came during a press conference following Usyk’s victory over Rico Verhoeven in Giza, Egypt.
Usyk secured a technical knockout against kickboxer Verhoeven in the 11th round. After the match, Kabayel, who boasts an undefeated record of 27 wins with 19 knockouts, issued a challenge to Usyk for a bout sanctioned by the WBC. Additionally, Saudi promoter Turki Al-Sheikh has called for a rematch between Usyk and Verhoeven.
In the ring, Usyk accepted both Kabayel’s challenge and the idea of a rematch, stating, “I am ready to fight both of them.” During the press conference, he elaborated on his future plans in professional boxing, confirming that negotiations with Kabayel are forthcoming and expressing his desire for a rematch with Verhoeven in the Netherlands.
“Kabayel is an incredible guy. So tough. We will discuss everything, and the team will communicate with the organizers about how to proceed. Turki [Al-Sheikh] says, let’s do the rematch in the Netherlands. I say: organize it, give me time to prepare — and let’s go. Why not?” Usyk remarked.
Kabayel is recognized as the mandatory challenger for Usyk’s WBC title, which is the only organization to allow Usyk a voluntary defense against Verhoeven. The WBC retains the right to dictate the order of Usyk’s title defenses. Should the WBC determine that Usyk’s next fight must be against Kabayel, he will face two options: either accept the bout or vacate the title.
WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman believes that Verhoeven should have a rematch with Usyk and is prepared to sanction that fight. However, he prefers to see Usyk face Kabayel first.
Usyk currently holds the WBC, WBA, and IBF world championship titles, with three challengers lined up from various organizations. British boxer Moses Itauma is the WBA contender, while Cuban Frank Sanchez has emerged as the new IBF contender following the undercard of the Usyk-Verhoeven fight.
Oleksandr Usyk is ready to negotiate a title defense against Agit Kabayel after defeating Rico Verhoeven. The WBC has also expressed interest in a rematch between Usyk and Verhoeven.