標籤: Kabyle

Frank Warren has warned the World Boxing Council of legal action if Agit Kabayel is not ordered to face Oleksandr Usyk for the heavyweight title. The issue comes as Usyk prepares for a crossover fight against Rico Verhoeven in Egypt. Kabayel holds the WBC interim title and is ranked as the number one contender. Warren clarified her position in a recent interview, pointing to the rules for mandatory challengers. The situation has drawn attention from across the division, with the WBC yet to respond publicly as questions remain as to which fights will be ordered next.

Frank Warren says Kabayel deserves title shot

Warren outlined his stance in an interview with BoxingScene, saying that the mandatory fight should take place. “Kabayel is number one in the WBC, and the fight between Usyk and Rico Verhoeven goes on in Egypt, and afterward the WBC has to give a mandatory order, and if they don’t do it, we’ll sue them.”

He insisted Kabayel has earned the opportunity. “I’m telling you, I wouldn’t bother with it. Agit [Kabayel] deserves his chance; He must stay there, and if anyone tries to avoid that fight, he must move away from there. Its as simple as that. Fight the movement or evacuate.”

Kabayel secured his spot at February 2025 by stopping Zilei Zhang to win the interim title. He later defended it against Damien Naiba in January.

Warren raised questions on WBC’s decision-making process

Warren also questioned why the requirement had not been ratified earlier. “We won’t stand for it, why wouldn’t any organization order that fight, why wouldn’t you?” He said.

He pointed to Kabayel’s recent success in support of his argument. “We just sold out the arena [in Kabayel’s last fight] In one day, we could sell up to three times that amount. It’s not like he’s a guy you can’t make any money off of, it’s a football stadium fight between him and Usyk.

Warren also talked about Usyk’s position in the game. “I want to see it. I’m a big fan of Usyk, he’s a real warrior, why wouldn’t he want to fight him?” He said.

Oleksandr Usyk plans to add something to the current situation

Usyk has already outlined his next bouts, starting with a clash against Verhoeven. That fight is going to happen before any mandatory defense.

The WBC has not yet announced whether it will order the Kabyle fight. This decision could impact the direction of the heavyweight division in the coming months.

For now, Warren’s comments make it clear that Kabayel’s team expects the mandate to remain in place. The situation remains unresolved as both sides await the WBC’s next move.

Dogley Wilberforce is a boxing writer for SportsNaught, covering fight news, fighter reactions and major bouts in the sport… More about Dogley Wilberforce

Oleksandr Usyk has eased his stance on a potential clash with Agit Kabayel, raising fresh uncertainty over a long-discussed third fight with Tyson Fury. Speaking in an interview with the Daily Mail the undisputed heavyweight champion said Kabayel could fit into his plans following his upcoming title defense against Rico Verhoeven in May.

Usyk had previously outlined a clear path away from Kabyle, but his latest comments suggest a change. While he remains linked to the winner of the WBO eliminator between Fabio Wardley and Daniel Dubois, the bigger picture now looks more flexible than before.

Oleksandr Usyk leaves options open after Verhoeven fight

Usyk made it clear that his plans are not on hold, even if expectations remain for his next few fights.

“Maybe I’ll fight Kabyle, maybe I won’t face Tyson Fury for the third time, and instead I’ll fight Kabyle. I only tell my plan, but that’s not set in stone. I understand the agit fans are saying you have to fight him. But I don’t have to fight him. I’ve got to live my life, I’ve got to take care of my team, my kids. As far as fighting goes, I just work hard, and my Opponents work hard.”

“Maybe it’s possible that I fight Agit. He’s a great fighter, and he’s very smart.”

The tone is different from earlier this year when Usyk’s roadmap appeared certain. Now, depending on how things go, he is clearly keeping multiple doors open.

Inevitable pressure builds around Agit Kabyle

Kabayel’s status as a WBC mandatory challenger has been a topic of discussion for months. His camp has worked hard for a title shot, arguing that he has earned it.

The 32-year-old is unstoppable and is considered one of the more disciplined legends outside the top level. Usyk’s public praise only adds weight to his case.

If Usyk chooses Kabayel next, it will satisfy quiet criticism of his avoidance of the expectations and mandates of the sanctioning body. If not, the pressure is likely to increase.

Tyson Fury Trilogy No Longer Guaranteed

After the previous two fights, a third fight with Fury seemed inevitable. Now, that scenario is much less certain.

Fury has continued to seek a trilogy following his defeat in December 2024, but Usyk’s latest comments suggest it is no longer a priority.

Now everything depends on time. The Wardley-Dubois winner still factors into the title picture, and Usyk’s May bout with Verhoeven remains the immediate focus.

For now, the heavyweight division remains fluid. However, one thing is clear. Usyk is still deciding what’s next.