The World Boxing Council (WBC) has officially ordered Oleksandr Usyk to defend his heavyweight world title against interim champion Agit Kabayel. The Ukrainian could be stripped of the belt if he declines the fight.
WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman confirmed that a bout between Usyk and German heavyweight Agit Kabayel has been designated as the mandatory title defense for the Ukrainian champion. According to Sulaiman, the decision was made following Usyk’s voluntary bout against Rico Verhoeven.
Usyk now faces a choice: enter negotiations for a fight with Kabayel or relinquish the WBC title. A similar situation occurred in 2024 when the Ukrainian gave up the IBF belt after being unable to make a mandatory defense.
The 33-year-old Kabayel remains undefeated as a professional, boasting a record of 27 wins, including 19 by knockout. The German currently holds the WBC interim heavyweight title and is ranked among the division’s top contenders.
Following the WBC ruling, Kabayel took to social media to address Usyk directly. The German used Usyk’s famous phrase, “Don’t push the horses,” which has become a popular meme among boxing fans.
According to Western media reports, the WBC expects the Usyk-Kabayel fight to be the Ukrainian’s next championship bout in the heavyweight division.
