Usyk faces mandatory WBC title defense against Agit Kabayel or risks vacating belt

The German boxer's promoter stated that the Ukrainian must agree on terms for the fight within 30 days or vacate the belt.

“We’re going to find out with Usyk what he’s got left because he’s got to fight Kabayel next. The WBC have ordered [this fight],” Warren said.

“He’s got 30 days negotiations, so we are going to go to purse bids if we can’t agree terms – or he’ll have to vacate.”

Warren also commented on Usyk's possible rematch with Dutch Rico Verhoeven.

“They can have a rematch, but they’ll have to vacate the belt," he explained.

"Agit is fighting – he’s worked hard for it, that’s what we’ve all worked hard for. He’s been in that spot for a long time. He’s the interim champion. [Usyk] has to fulfill his mandatory obligations; we won’t accept anything less.”

Usyk defeated Verhoeven on May 23 by technical knockout one second before the end of the 11th round to defend his WBC world championship title.

The Dutch boxer disagreed with the referee's decision to stop the fight just before the bell. As for punch statistics, Rico was more precise and outlanded the Ukrainian.

Following the bout, Kabayel entered the ring and challenged the Ukrainian to a fight in Germany. Agit's promoter, Frank Warren, later stated that the German boxer should be Usyk's next opponent.

The 33-year-old Kabayel has won all 27 of his professional fights, 19 of them by knockout. The German heavyweight has secured inside-the-distance finishes in each of his last six bouts.