Why did Oleksandr Usyk vacate the WBC heavyweight title?

Usyk retired in May 2025, ending his career on his own terms. Kabayel’s camp and independent analysts agree the decision was about legacy and closure, not avoiding any specific opponent.

Who is Agit Kabayel’s mandatory next opponent?

Kabayel is not yet locked into a mandatory defense. His team is prioritizing marquee names like Tyson Fury or Anthony Joshua for a potential late-2025 or early-2026 bout to maximize exposure.

What rankings did Kabayel hold before becoming WBC champion?

At the time of Usyk’s retirement, Kabayel was ranked No. 3 by the WBC. His elevation to champion followed the vacancy created by Usyk’s retirement.

Could Kabayel face The Ring Magazine’s top contenders?

Yes. The Ring’s current heavyweight list includes Fury, Joshua, and Nick Itauma. Kabayel’s team has initiated early talks with those camps about potential title defenses.

When is Kabayel’s first defense expected?

A first defense is targeted for late 2025 or early 2026, contingent on negotiations with top contenders and securing a major broadcast deal.

How does Kabayel’s southpaw stance impact his title run?

Southpaws are rare in the heavyweight division, with only 28% of top-10 fighters using the stance. Kabayel’s left-handed style forces orthodox opponents to adjust mid-fight, giving him a tactical edge that could be decisive in high-pressure bouts.

Kabayel takes WBC belt, slams ‘ducking’ claims over Usyk retirement

German heavyweight Agit Kabayel dismisses talk that Usyk retired to avoid him, insists the Ukrainian’s move was about legacy—not a dodge.

ByKostadin Stamboliev1 sourcePublished Jul 3, 4:09 AM

Kabayel takes WBC belt, slams ‘ducking’ claims over Usyk retirement

Agit Kabayel is now the WBC heavyweight champion after Oleksandr Usyk vacated the title, and he has moved quickly to shut down suggestions that the Ukrainian retired to avoid fighting him. Kabayel, 34, claimed the belt when Usyk announced his retirement in May, leaving the division in flux. 3 by the WBC at the time, was elevated to champion after Usyk’s departure.

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