Agit Kabayel Pauses Return To Wait For Oleksandr Usyk

WBC interim holder says he will not take another fight as Usyk-Verhoeven bout shapes title outcome

Agit Kabayel says he will wait for a WBC title shot instead of taking another interim fight. The unbeaten heavyweight is holding position as Oleksandr Usyk’s next move will decide whether he gets his chance or the belt becomes vacant.

Kabayel has built strong momentum with stoppage wins over Zhilei Zhang, Arslanbek Makhmudov, and Frank Sanchez, then returned to Germany in January to stop Damian Knyba in three rounds. That run has pushed him near the front of the heavyweight line and strengthened calls for a title shot against Oleksandr Usyk.

There had been talk of Kabayel returning again this spring, but he says plans have changed after discussions with his team.

“We talked with Frank Warren and Spencer Brown, and the plan is now to wait for Usyk-Verhoeven. I’m just waiting for the situation to sort itself out. Usyk will fight me or vacate the title. That is the best option for me, and then the results will show themselves, said Agit Kabayel to Ring Magazine.

Kabayel currently holds the WBC interim belt, which puts him in a position to press for a mandatory shot once Usyk faces Rico Verhoeven on May 23 in Egypt.

If Usyk keeps the belt and accepts the order, Kabayel could land the biggest fight of his career next. If Usyk steps away from the title or chooses another route, Kabayel would be in line to become full champion.

For a contender in his position, staying busy has value. But waiting for a world title can be worth more. Kabayel appears convinced the risk of taking another fight now is not worth losing the place he has earned.

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