Oleksandr Usyk’s Team Says Only Major Fights Interest Him Now

Usyk’s future remains uncertain after the controversial Rico Verhoeven stoppage, with Agit Kabayel still waiting for a title shot

Oleksandr Usyk’s team says the unbeaten heavyweight champion is no longer interested in routine title defenses after his controversial win over Rico Verhoeven in Egypt. Team director Sergey Lapin suggested Usyk will only return for a major event despite growing pressure for fights against Agit Kabayel or Verhoeven again.

Debate over the ending has continued in the days after the fight, with some fans calling for a rematch after Verhoeven pushed Usyk harder than expected before the stoppage in round 11. WBC interim champion Agit Kabayel also remains in line for a mandatory title shot.

Usyk team director Sergey Lapin suggested the 39-year-old will only return if the event is big enough.

“Who will Usyk fight next? Right now, everything depends on two things: the right offer and the champion’s own desire.

“Oleksandr has nothing left to prove. He is now in a position where he chooses what interests him next. Neither outside pressure nor social media discussions will influence his decisions.

“If the next fight happens, it will be because it is truly a major event.”

The comments were released by Betpack.

Kabayel entered the ring after Usyk’s win over Verhoeven, and Saudi boxing chief Turki Alalshikh later said he wants to stage the fight in Germany. The unbeaten contender remains the leading option after WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman confirmed this week that Kabayel is still next in line for Usyk despite the Verhoeven bout taking place first.

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