Agit Kabayel feared Usyk-Rico rematch could delay title shot

Kabayel says he became nervous watching Usyk struggle because he worried his heavyweight title shot could disappear again

Agit Kabayel admitted he became nervous watching Oleksandr Usyk struggle with Rico Verhoeven because he feared a rematch could delay his long-awaited heavyweight title opportunity. The unbeaten German contender said he immediately started thinking about the heavyweight title picture while watching the fight in Egypt.

Kabayel has spent the last year pushing for a fight with Usyk after stopping Frank Sanchez and moving into the WBC mandatory position. But after seeing Verhoeven give Usyk serious problems in Egypt, the unbeaten German contender said he immediately started thinking about the possibility of an immediate rematch.

“You know, for me was also bad when I see the fight,” said Kabayel during an interview with Max Kellerman and Gabe Rosado at InsideRingShow.

“I wait so long for the opportunity with Usyk, and Usyk make a very bad fight.”

Kabayel then admitted the situation made him uneasy while watching ringside.

“I was nervous watching this fight, yes 100%,” said Kabayel.

The heavyweight contender also revealed he believed Verhoeven was ahead late in the fight before Usyk closed the show with a stoppage.

“After the 11 round I think Rico was one round more,” said Kabayel.

“This was very close fight.”

Kabayel later said Turki Alalshikh reassured him before the event that he would still receive the next title shot.

“Turki gave me his word and gave me his hand,” said Kabayel.

“You will make this fight happen for us.”

Kabayel added that he still wants the fight to take place in Germany, mentioning Düsseldorf as a possible location for a stadium event against Usyk. The unbeaten contender believes the atmosphere would rival any recent heavyweight event.

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