Oleksandr Usyk Faces Mandatory Challenge from Agit Kabayel Amid Calls for Verhoeven Rematch

Former world champion Paulie Malignaggi said Oleksandr Usyk must either defend his WBC heavyweight title against mandatory challenger Agit Kabayel or retire, arguing “If he’s going to stay active, then Kabayel deserves a title shot.” Tony Bellew countered, suggesting Kabayel should wait while “Rico Verhoeven deserves a rematch.”

Usyk, the 39‑year‑old Ukrainian, retained his WBC, WBA and IBF heavyweight titles with an 11th‑round stoppage of Verhoeven, sparking debate over his next fight. Kabayel, an unbeaten German, has earned the mandatory position and is next in line for a title shot, while Verhoeven seeks another bout with the Ukrainian champion.