Promoter Frank Warren has formally blocked attempts to organize an immediate rematch between heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk and Rico Verhoeven, insisting that the Ukrainian must next face mandatory challenger Agit Kabayel. On May 24, 2026, the Queensberry Promotions chief warned that Usyk risks being stripped of his WBC title if he fails to defend it against Kabayel, the undefeated German interim champion. This ultimatum comes after Usyk stopped Verhoeven in the final second of the 11th round earlier this month in Giza, Egypt.
The tension follows comments from Turki Alalshikh, head of the Saudi Entertainment Authority, who suggested a rematch in the Netherlands. But Frank Warren is standing firm on the governing body’s rules, noting that the WBC officially ordered the defense against Kabayel following a voluntary period. “If he doesn’t take it, he’ll have to vacate it, or be stripped, it’s as simple as that,” Warren stated. He added that Kabayel is a “real class act” who has earned his position by beating every opponent placed before him.
Agit Kabayel, currently 27-0 with 19 knockouts, has long sought a shot at the full world title. Following the Usyk-Verhoeven encounter, the German contender suggested bringing a potential championship bout to a stadium in Germany. Warren has made it clear he intends to hold the WBC to their ranking obligations, even threatening legal action if they do not officially order the fight for autumn 2026.
Frank Warren demands mandatory Agit Kabayel defense
Frank Warren is refusing to allow crossover spectacles to stall the professional heavyweight rankings. He emphasized that being a champion carries a responsibility to face mandatory challengers rather than repeated exhibition-style matches. “I’m telling you, I’m not going to piss around with this,” Warren said, stressing that Agit Kabayel deserves his opportunity after maintaining his unblemished record through intense competition.
Wealthy backers in the Middle East may prefer the commercial appeal of a Verhoeven rematch, but the sporting integrity of the division is at stake. If Usyk decides to pursue a second fight with the kickboxing star, the WBC belt would likely become vacant. This would allow Kabayel to fight for the strap against the next ranked contender, potentially ending Usyk’s run as the undisputed king of the division. Though Verhoeven intends to box post-Usyk, his path to a rematch now seems blocked by promotional and regulatory hurdles.
Analysis of the Rico Verhoeven stoppage in Egypt
Despite his hardline stance on the rankings, Frank Warren did acknowledge that Rico Verhoeven exceeded expectations in Giza. The kickboxing champion entered the ring with a 1-0-0 boxing record and reportedly led on one scorecard before the tide turned late in the fight. Warren admitted he was surprised by Verhoeven’s aggression and ring craft, which kept the unified champion on the defensive for significant portions of the match.
However, the fight ended in drama when the referee waved the contest off in the final second of the 11th round. Warren questioned this timing, noting that with so few seconds left, Verhoeven might have survived to reach the final bell. This controversial finish has fueled Dutch interest in a return bout, but Kabayel’s camp remains the priority for Queensberry Promotions. Usyk has often faced rivalry and pressure from promoters and sanctioning bodies alike, and this latest hurdle test his commitment to the WBC crown.
Projected timeline for the heavyweight title clash
Queensberry Promotions is pushing for a showdown between Oleksandr Usyk and Agit Kabayel to take place in autumn 2026. While the location remains unconfirmed, Kabayel has expressed a strong desire to host the event in a German stadium, providing a massive home-field advantage. Such a venue would mark one of the largest boxing events in European history if it comes to fruition later this year.
If the WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman enforces the mandatory order, Usyk will have a difficult choice to make. He currently holds a professional record of 24-0 following his win over Verhoeven, but facing a seasoned boxer like Kabayel presents a different challenge than a crossover opponent. Kabayel’s team is ready to move immediately, hoping to secure the fight before the end of the year.
Heavyweight division contenders by the numbers
The current landscape of the heavyweight division is dominated by three primary figures involved in this brewing dispute. While the commercial success of crossover fights remains high, the pressure from unbeaten contenders is reaching a boiling point. The following list details the current standing of the key participants involved in these negotiations:
- Oleksandr Usyk: 24-0 (15 KOs) — The unified champion holding the WBC, WBA, WBO, IBO, and The Ring titles.
- Agit Kabayel: 27-0 (19 KOs) — The undefeated WBC interim champion and mandatory challenger from Germany.
- Rico Verhoeven: 1-1 (1 KO) — The kickboxing champion whose boxing record stands at one win and one loss following the Usyk defeat.
As the May 24, 2026 reports indicate, the ball is now in Usyk’s court. He must decide whether he values the WBC belt enough to step into a mandatory defense in Germany or autumn 2026. If he chooses the more lucrative spectacle of a Dutch rematch, he will likely do so without the green and gold belt around his waist.
