Warren says the Oleksandr Usyk-Agit Kabayel situation could quickly reshape the heavyweight title picture
Moses Itauma could move far closer to a WBC heavyweight title fight than many expected after Frank Warren pointed to a possible opening involving Oleksandr Usyk and Agit Kabayel. Warren outlined how a change in the WBC championship picture could accelerate Itauma’s rise toward a world title shot.
While Filip Hrgovic has been mentioned as a potential opponent, Warren indicated that developments surrounding the WBC title picture could open another route to championship contention.
“Well, you’ve got another one, another good fight with one of our fighters is Kabayel,” Warren told Seconds Out. “The WBC have said that Usyk has got to defend against him. So we’ve got a 30-day period to try and agree terms or it will go to purse bids. Or if he doesn’t want the fight, Usyk, he will have to vacate.”
The WBC recently ordered heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk to make a mandatory defence against Agit Kabayel, who earned his position through a string of impressive performances. If the two sides fail to reach an agreement, the matter could head to purse bids. Should Usyk decide against proceeding with the bout, Kabayel could be elevated to full champion.
That possibility could have significant implications for Itauma.
Itauma’s immediate focus remains his planned August return. However, Warren’s comments suggest that the heavyweight landscape could shift quickly in the coming months. If Kabayel ultimately finds himself holding the WBC title, Itauma may not be far away from receiving an opportunity to fight for boxing’s biggest prize.