WBC mandatory Agit Kabayel remains in line as Usyk weighs next move after Fury wins
Oleksandr Usyk says a fight with Agit Kabayel is possible as the WBC mandatory waits for his shot. The undisputed champion is weighing that option against a third fight with Tyson Fury.
The undisputed heavyweight champion acknowledged the mandatory situation but made clear he is not bound to follow it.
“Maybe I will fight Kabayel maybe I don’t face Tyson Fury for a third time and I fight Kabayel instead,” Usyk told the Mail. “I only say my plan but that is not set in stone. I understand the Agit fans are saying you must fight him, you must fight him. But I don’t have to fight him.”
Kabayel holds the WBC interim belt and is unbeaten in 27 fights, placing him directly in line for a shot. Usyk’s position complicates that path, as he balances mandatories with other options already discussed, including Tyson Fury and the Wardley vs Dubois winner.
“I must live my life, I must look after my team, my children. As for fighting, I just work hard and my opponents work hard,” Usyk said. “Look, maybe it’s possible I fight Agit. All I can say is he’s a great fighter and he’s very smart.”
The WBC situation remains unresolved, with Kabayel waiting while Usyk weighs his next move. A shift toward the mandatory would bring a fresh matchup at heavyweight rather than a third meeting with Fury, which has drawn less demand after two clear results.
Usyk relies on footwork, angles, and straight lefts to control opponents, while Kabayel applies pressure, works the body, and breaks rhythm over rounds.
If Usyk turns to Kabayel, the WBC mandatory finally gets his shot. If not, the belt risks another delay while other fights take priority.