Mauricio Sulaiman confirms Kabayel’s mandatory shot after Usyk’s May 23 stoppage win over Rico Verhoeven
The WBC has officially ordered Oleksandr Usyk to make a mandatory heavyweight title defense against interim champion Agit Kabayel. WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman confirmed the ruling on Sunday, moving Kabayel one step closer to the title shot he has pursued for months.
“Yes. The WBC ruling was one voluntary defense, and then the winner against Kabayel. That fight is being ordered today, and it is a mandatory defence for Usyk,” said Sulaiman to Boxingscene.
Kabayel has quietly built one of the strongest recent records among heavyweight contenders. The unbeaten German scored stoppage wins over Frank Sanchez, Arslanbek Makhmudov, and Zhilei Zhang to earn the WBC interim title and secure his mandatory position. Whether the fight actually happens remains unclear.
Kabayel has publicly questioned whether Usyk will take the bout, suggesting the WBC could eventually elevate him or declare the title vacant if the Ukrainian chooses another route. Usyk’s team recently indicated that any future fight would need to be part of a major event, adding another layer of uncertainty to negotiations.
The WBC’s position, however, is now clear. If Usyk wants to keep the green belt, Kabayel is next in line. The order places additional pressure on both sides to reach an agreement before other heavyweight options gain momentum.
Usyk has been linked to several major events, while Kabayel has spent months waiting for a title opportunity after securing mandatory status.
