Oleksandr Usyk pressured to fight Agit Kabayel as Joshua eyes trilogy

Former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson posted a video on Agit Kabayel’s Instagram urging Oleksandr Usyk to meet the German interim champion in the ring. Tyson’s call comes after WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman confirmed Kabayel’s status as the mandatory challenger, with the federation hoping a bout be arranged before the end of the year. Promoters suggest the fight could draw a stadium‑sized crowd in Germany, tapping the large Ukrainian diaspora and the country’s appetite for a major heavyweight event.

At the same time, heavyweight contender Anthony Joshua, who is currently training alongside Usyk, said a third encounter with the Ukrainian would be “amazing.” Joshua is preparing for a July 25 bout with Kristian Prenga in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and has his sights set on a potential showdown with Tyson Fury later in the year. While Joshua remains open to a Usyk trilogy, he noted the relationship has shifted from past animosity to friendly competition.