Usyk must fight Kabayel next to keep WBC heavyweight title
Sky Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 1, 2026, 8:07 PM
Last updated Jun 1, 2026
WBC president Mauricio Sulaimán confirmed that Oleksandr Usyk must defend his heavyweight title against Agit Kabayel next or face being stripped of his belt. Kabayel has been the WBC interim champion and top contender since February 2025. Usyk's prior voluntary defense against Rico Verhoeven on May 23 was sanctioned, but the mandatory fight against Kabayel is the next step. Sulaimán emphasized that the decision is final, dismissing the possibility of an immediate rematch with Verhoeven.
- •Usyk risks being stripped of his title if he does not fight Kabayel next.
- •Kabayel has been the interim champion since February 2025.
- •Usyk's bout with Verhoeven was a voluntary defense accepted by the WBC.
- •Sulaimán confirmed the ruling on Usyk's mandatory challenge is final.
"WBC president Mauricio Sulaimán has reiterated that Oleksandr Usyk will be stripped of his world heavyweight title if he does not face Agit Kabayel.
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