The dust has settled in the shadow of the Giza Pyramids, and Oleksandr Usyk has once again asserted his dominance at the pinnacle of heavyweight boxing. By stopping kickboxing icon Rico Verhoeven in the 11th round on Saturday night, the Ukrainian maestro has cleared another hurdle in his “endgame” run towards retirement. Yet, as the victory celebrations subside, the focus of the boxing world shifts immediately to a single, pressing question: who is next for the undisputed master of the ring?
For months, the name Agit Kabayel has been a persistent presence in the background of Usyk’s championship reign. The unbeaten German-Kurdish heavyweight, who currently holds the WBC interim heavyweight title, has been patiently waiting in the wings. Following Usyk’s successful defence in Egypt, that conversation has moved from a whisper to a roar.
The Case for Kabayel: A Mandatory Wait
Agit Kabayel is no longer a prospect to be ignored; he is a seasoned professional with a perfect 27-0 record and 19 knockouts to his name. Since capturing the WBC interim title by stopping Zhilei Zhang in early 2025, Kabayel has systematically dismantled his opposition, including clinical victories over Frank Sánchez and Arslanbek Makhmudov.
Kabayel made his intentions clear in the lead-up to the Egypt event, signalling that he was prepared to enter the ring and challenge the winner directly. For the WBC, the path is straightforward: Mauricio Sulaiman has reiterated his expectation that Usyk must adhere to the sanctioning body’s mandate and face his interim champion.
“I’m very confident that Usyk will want to fight Kabayel next,” said WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman. “He is the mandatory challenger, and he has earned his position through consistent performances against elite opposition.”
Turki Alalshikh and the Istanbul Vision
While the WBC mandate provides the roadmap, the “engine” driving these heavyweight blockbusters remains the vision of Saudi Arabia’s boxing financier, Turki Alalshikh.
At the pre-fight press conference for “Glory in Giza,” Alalshikh dropped a significant hint about the future. While Usyk has expressed a desire to keep his focus on the present, plans are already being formulated for an “amazing” event in Istanbul, Turkey, for 2027. Given Kabayel’s significant support base—with estimates suggesting a massive Kurdish population in Turkey—the location would be a perfect stylistic and commercial fit for a clash between the Ukrainian champion and the German powerhouse.
However, Alalshikh has also left the door slightly ajar for an immediate rematch with Verhoeven, should the appetite for a return bout prove strong. But for purists who want to see the heavyweight division’s hierarchy settled, a Usyk-Kabayel fight is the bout that makes the most sense.
Why it Matters to UK Boxing Fans
For British fight fans, who have followed Usyk’s journey closely since his historic bouts against Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury, the emergence of Kabayel represents a fresh challenge. The heavyweight division is in a period of transition, and Kabayel—who famously outpointed Derek Chisora back in 2017—is a fighter who has been building his reputation in the “Riyadh Season” ecosystem for years.
If Usyk sticks to his plan of only having two more fights before retiring, a clash with the unbeaten Kabayel would offer a fittingly high-stakes conclusion to his legendary career.
FAQ
Is Agit Kabayel officially confirmed to fight Oleksandr Usyk?
Not yet. While Kabayel is the WBC mandatory challenger and has been ordered to face Usyk, the champion’s team and promoters are still finalising his future schedule. Turki Alalshikh is exploring multiple high-profile options, including potential fights in Istanbul.
What is Agit Kabayel’s professional boxing record?
Agit Kabayel boasts an unblemished record of 27 victories with 0 defeats, including 19 knockouts. He has held the WBC interim heavyweight title since his victory over Zhilei Zhang in February 2025.
How many more fights does Usyk plan to have?
Oleksandr Usyk has stated on several occasions that he intends to fight only two more times before hanging up his gloves for good, declaring that once he retires, he will not be making a comeback.
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As we look ahead to the second half of 2026, the heavyweight division is poised for further intrigue. Whether the path leads to a grand stadium showdown in Germany or a historic night under the shadow of the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, one thing is certain: Agit Kabayel has earned his seat at the top table. For Usyk, the clock is ticking, and the list of elite heavyweights left to conquer is becoming shorter by the day.
