His WBC line has been drawn
“After his next fight, Oleksandr Usyk has to defend his WBC heavyweight title against (interim champion) Agit Kabayel, or face being stripped of the belt, he has to fight for the next interim title,” Sulaiman told Chris Mannix’s YouTube channel.
On paper, it makes a fork in the road. In practice, Usyk has already shown how he handles these situations.
After stopping Daniel Dubois in five rounds on July 19, 2025 to become the heavyweight champion, Usyk later vacated the WBO belt when ordered to defend against interim champion Fabio Wardley. He chose independence. The group adjusted.
Usyk currently holds the WBA, WBC, and IBF titles. The WBC is granting one of the special protections because Kabayel had a fight in January scheduled. After that, the command is enforced. The idea of the belt is to make the weight. Usyk’s recent history suggests otherwise.
Kabayel is undefeated at 27-0 and earned his spot through action. He added stops to secure his temporary position and remained visible in a field full of contenders. Physically precise and strong, he works the body and keeps moving forward. That style makes for tough rounds, even for the uninitiated.
At 39, that kind of resistance carries the real risk of sport. It doesn’t have the same commercial appeal as Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury, or a top name like Moses Itauma. Those fights bring site fees, pay-per-view attention, and global markets. They justify the measure.
Kabayel’s protection satisfies the need. The discussion of weight does not change much. For an undisputed postseason champion, that’s important.
Pursuit does not require compliance. All bonds must be protected and all orders respected. That part of his job required it.
When the WBO later ordered him to fight Wardley, Usyk walked out. The market remained steady. His position did not change. He told us his own story.
Where Leverage resides
Elite heavyweights operate from financial security and an established legacy. The bundle no longer defines their value in the same way. If Kabayel becomes the next fight, it will be because Usyk wants it. If a better opportunity arises, recent history suggests that the belt will recover the sector.
The WBC has given its instructions. Whether he carries the true power depends on the champion. Usyk has already expressed his willingness to decide for himself.