--- title: "Kabayel takes WBC belt, slams ‘ducking’ claims over Usyk retirement" description: "German heavyweight Agit Kabayel dismisses talk that Usyk retired to avoid him, insists the Ukrainian’s move was about legacy—not a dodge." url: https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/agit-kabayel-addresses-claims-that-usyk-ducked-him-by-vaca-481b3a4a published: 2026-07-03T04:09:16.372+00:00 updated: 2026-07-03T04:09:16.372+00:00 author: "Kostadin Stamboliev" publisher: "Pineido" site: "Sportopod" language: en topics: ["boxing"] --- # 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. 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. The German southpaw, ranked No. 3 by the WBC at the time, was elevated to champion after Usyk’s departure. His rise has thrust him into the spotlight as the division’s newest figurehead, but it has also drawn criticism that Usyk ducked a mandatory defense against Kabayel. Kabayel dismissed those claims outright. “Usyk’s retirement is about his career, not about avoiding anyone,” he said. “He’s a legend who chose to step away on his own terms. That’s respectful, not a dodge.” The German added that he plans to prove himself as champion by taking on the division’s top names, starting with a potential showdown against Tyson Fury or Anthony Joshua later this year. Promoters and fans have already begun speculating about Kabayel’s first defense. The Ring Magazine lists Fury, Joshua, and Britain’s Nick Itauma as the division’s most marketable contenders. Kabayel’s team is in early talks with those camps, aiming for a late-2025 or early-2026 bout that could headline a major pay-per-view. The timing of Kabayel’s ascension couldn’t be more awkward. The heavyweight division has been in a state of perpetual transition since Anthony Joshua’s first loss to Usyk in 2021, followed by Usyk’s dominance and eventual unification. Kabayel’s reign begins just as the dust from those years is settling, forcing promoters to scramble for a new narrative. His lack of a marquee win against a top-tier contender makes him a risky bet for networks and sponsors, but also creates an opportunity: if he can deliver, he could become the bridge between the Usyk era and the next generation. Kabayel’s southpaw stance gives him an edge in a division where orthodox fighters dominate. Only 28% of top-10 heavyweights fight left-handed, according to BoxRec data, which means Kabayel’s southpaw style could force opponents to adjust mid-fight. That technical advantage, combined with his underdog status, makes him a compelling draw—if he can capitalize on it. His next bout, whoever it is against, will be his first real test against a fighter with a winning record in the top 10. The WBC’s heavyweight division has lacked a clear, undisputed narrative since the late 2010s, when Anthony Joshua unified the belts and then lost them to Usyk in 2021. Since then, the title has changed hands three times without a single fighter holding it for more than 18 months. Kabayel’s reign arrives at a crossroads: if he can string together defenses against marquee names, he could stabilize the division and restore confidence in the WBC’s credibility. But if he falters early, the chaos will only deepen, with promoters and fans left scrambling for the next big fight. Kabayel’s camp is acutely aware of the pressure. His promoter, Sauerland Event, has a track record of building champions through strategic matchups, but the heavyweight division demands more than just strategy—it requires immediate results. The German’s first defense will be scrutinized not just for the opponent, but for the broadcast package, the purse, and the ratings. A misstep here could derail the momentum Kabayel has gained since Usyk’s retirement, leaving the division in the same murky waters it has occupied for years. What’s next: Kabayel faces a critical window to solidify his standing. A win over a marquee name would silence doubters and stabilize the WBC’s heavyweight hierarchy. The division’s next chapter hinges on whether Kabayel can deliver the must-see fights the sport craves—or if the chaos continues. ## Why this matters Kabayel’s sudden elevation exposes the volatility of boxing’s heavyweight pecking order. When a superstar like Usyk retires unexpectedly, the ripple effects force new champions into the spotlight, often with little preparation. Kabayel’s ability—or inability—to deliver compelling defenses will determine whether the WBC can restore credibility to a division that has lurched from one transitional moment to the next. The division’s future now rests on Kabayel’s shoulders, but his lack of a signature win leaves the door open for challengers to question his legitimacy before he’s even fought a defense. His reign could either bridge the gap between eras or become another footnote in the heavyweight shuffle. ## Frequently asked ### 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. ## Sources & Citations - [Agit Kabayel addresses claims that Usyk ‘ducked’ him by vacating world titles](https://boxingnewsonline.net/news/abayel-on-usyk-ducking/) — Boxing News (UK) (2026-07-02) --- Cite: Kabayel takes WBC belt, slams ‘ducking’ claims over Usyk retirement. Sportopod, 2026-07-03. https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/agit-kabayel-addresses-claims-that-usyk-ducked-him-by-vaca-481b3a4a