Usyk’s Ambitious Plans in Heavyweight Boxing
In the world of heavyweight boxing, Oleksandr Usyk holds a critical position as he prepares for what he has described as the final chapter of his illustrious career. The Ukrainian champion recently laid out an ambitious three-fight plan that could sidetrack other contenders, particularly Agit Kabayel, the WBC interim champion who is eagerly waiting for a title shot.
Upcoming Fights and Potential Contenders
This summer, unbeaten British fighter Moses Itauma could find his way into the championship picture depending on Usyk’s next move. The situation hinges on Usyk’s upcoming fight against kickboxer Rico Verhoeven, set to take place on May 23 in Giza, Egypt. If Usyk opts not to face his mandatory challenger Kabayel afterward, it opens the door for Itauma, who is rapidly rising through the ranks.
Usyk’s Fight Sequence
Usyk has been vocal about his aspirations, stating that his return to the ring will follow a specific sequence: first facing Verhoeven, then possibly taking on the winner of a fight between Fabio Wardley and Daniel Dubois, and finally concluding with a trilogy bout against Tyson Fury, whom he has previously defeated twice.
“Rico is first. Second, it’s who wins Wardley or Dubois. Third fight, it’s my friend ‘Greedy Belly’ Tyson Fury,”
Usyk shared via his Ready to Fight app.
Frustrations from Kabayel
The WBC has officially acknowledged Usyk’s voluntary defense against Verhoeven, reaffirming that the winner is obligated to face Kabayel next. This has stirred up feelings of frustration for Kabayel, who has expressed concerns that Usyk might prioritize financially lucrative fights over his legacy. In recent comments to RTL/ntv and sport.de, Kabayel remarked on Usyk’s focus on financial outcomes rather than challenges, stating,
“He doesn’t shy away from any challenge… But all he cares about is the money.”
Kabayel, who has solidified his position as a mandatory contender by defeating formidable opponents such as Frank Sanchez and Arslanbek Makhmudov, has criticized Usyk for not acknowledging him in his fight plans.
“How can he not name the number one ranked opponent, his mandatory challenger?”
Kabayel questioned.
“It’s sad that he would rather fight Dubois or Fury a third time, even though he has already beaten both of them twice.”
Possibility of Facing Kabayel
Despite these frustrations, Usyk has indicated a willingness to consider his mandatory obligations, admitting that facing Kabayel might still be a possibility if plans with Fury do not materialize.
“Maybe I will fight Kabayel instead of Fury for a third time,”
he assessed, acknowledging Kabayel’s prowess as a contender.
Future Title Discussions
Should Usyk choose a different path after the Verhoeven bout, Kabayel could be declared the full champion, immediately bringing Itauma into potential title discussions. Itauma recently made headlines with a strong performance against Jermain Franklin, positioning himself as a future heavyweight star. Given Kabayel’s readiness to take on challenges, a pairing with Itauma could materialize sooner than anticipated.
Promoter Frank Warren is likely to consider a match between Kabayel and Itauma for the interim title in Germany—a fight that could dramatically alter the WBC landscape. Another name in the mix is Lawrence Okolie, who holds the WBC Silver heavyweight title and has publicly sought a match against Kabayel, frequently challenging his status in the sport on social media.
Fluid Dynamics of the Heavyweight Division
The dynamics of the heavyweight division remain fluid. Kabayel holds a mandatory position, but if Usyk chooses a different contender after his forthcoming match, the current pecking order could shift quickly, presenting either Itauma or Okolie with a significant opportunity to vie for the WBC heavyweight title sooner than they might have expected.
