WBC draws its line
“After his next fight, Oleksandr Usyk MUST defend the WBC heavyweight title against (interim champion) Agit Kabayel, otherwise he will be stripped of the belt. Then he must fight the interim champion,” Sulaiman told Chris Mannix YouTube channel.
On paper, it creates a fork in the road. In practice, Usyk has already shown how he handles such situations.
After stopping Daniel Dubois in five rounds on July 19, 2025, to become the undisputed heavyweight champion, Usyk later vacated the WBO belt when he was ordered to defend against interim champion Fabio Wardley. He chose autonomy. The division adjusted.
Usyk currently holds the WBA, WBC and IBF titles. The WBC is allowing one voluntary defense because Kabayel was scheduled to fight in January. Then the order becomes mandatory. The belt is assumed to produce pressure. Usyk’s recent history suggests otherwise.
Kabayel is undefeated with a record of 27-0, and he gained his position thanks to his activity. He added stoppages to secure his interim spot and remained perceptible in a division full of viable contenders. Compact and physically powerful, he works on his body and constantly moves forward. This style makes for challenging rounds, even for elite players.
At 39 years ancient, such an opponent carries real sporting risk. He doesn’t get the same commercial attention as Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury or an emerging name like Moses Itauma. These fights bring in site fees, pay-per-view attention and global markets. They justify the scale.
Kabayel’s defense meets this requirement. This doesn’t significantly change the heavyweight discussion. For a champion who has already completed an undisputed streak, this distinction is significant.
Uncontested pursuit demanded compliance. You had to defend every lane and respect every order. This stage of his career demanded it.
When the WBO later ordered him to face Wardley, Usyk walked away instead. The market remained stable. His position has not changed. It told its own story.
Where is the lever
Elite heavyweights now operate with financial security and an established legacy. The bar no longer defines its value in the same way. If Kabayel becomes the next fight, it will be because Usyk wants it. Recent history suggests that, given more opportunity, the belt will become versatile again.
The WBC issued instructions. Whether or not it conveys true power is up to the master. Usyk has already shown that he can make his own decisions.
Robert Segal is a boxing reporter at Boxing News 24 with over a decade of experience covering fight news, previews and analysis. Known for his first-hand reporting and in-ring perspective, he delivers authoritative coverage of champions, challengers and emerging talent from around the world.