WBC President Delivers Stern Mandate to Unified Heavyweight Champion
WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman has issued a definitive ruling regarding Oleksandr Usyk's upcoming fights, stating the Ukrainian "must" face interim champion Agit Kabayel immediately following his planned voluntary title defence. This declaration creates significant complications for Usyk's preferred matchup against former world champion Deontay Wilder.
Voluntary Defence Granted But With Strict Conditions
Usyk, the undefeated unified heavyweight titleholder, had been granted permission for a voluntary defence in his next contest. Reports indicated the 38-year-old southpaw specifically sought a high-profile bout against American knockout artist Deontay Wilder, a fighter his manager Egis Klimas identified as "one of the biggest names from this generation that Usyk hadn't fought."
However, Wilder's schedule has since been filled with a different assignment, as he prepares to face British veteran Derek Chisora on April 4th at London's O2 Arena. Wilder's manager Shelly Finkel confirmed the timeline conflict, noting: "Usyk came to us recently to fight. We didn't know if that could happen, and we were on a trajectory to fight Chisora."
The Interim Champion Awaits His Mandatory Shot
With the Wilder option apparently closed, attention turns to German contender Agit Kabayel, who holds the WBC interim championship. The 33-year-old unbeaten fighter earned that status with a stoppage victory over Zhilei Zhang in February of last year, followed by another knockout win against Damian Knyba just last month.
Sulaiman explained the governing body's position clearly: "Kabayel was not available, because he had a fight scheduled in January. So, [Usyk] requested a voluntary title defence, which is very customary. He was given that opportunity, and he must fight the interim champion next. That's the ruling."
A Crowded Heavyweight Landscape Creates Further Complications
The heavyweight division presents additional obstacles for Kabayel's championship aspirations. British fighter Fabio Wardley emerged as another potential Usyk opponent after defeating Joseph Parker to claim the interim WBO title in October. However, Usyk relinquished the regular WBO belt shortly thereafter, and Wardley now appears set to defend his interim title against Daniel Dubois in May.
Meanwhile, Tyson Fury prepares to end his fifth career retirement when he boxes Arslanbek Makhmudov on April 11th. The "Gypsy King" has expressed continued interest in a trilogy bout with Usyk, despite suffering two decisive defeats to the Ukrainian in 2024 - the first losses of Fury's professional career.
Usyk's recent history includes two victories over Daniel Dubois, with the second coming last July to cement his status as a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion. The Ukrainian previously achieved undisputed status in the cruiserweight division before moving up to heavyweight.
As the mandatory challenger, Kabayel has patiently occupied the periphery of the world title scene while awaiting his opportunity. The German fighter now finds his path to a championship bout dependent on Usyk's compliance with the WBC's directive following whatever voluntary defence the champion ultimately schedules.
