Promoter Frank Warren has issued a formal warning to Oleksandr Usyk, stating the Ukrainian must defend his WBC heavyweight title against Agit Kabayel or risk being stripped of the belt. Speaking on May 24, 2026, the Queensberry Promotions chief dismissed growing talk of a rematch with Rico Verhoeven, insisting that divisional obligations must now take priority. The demand follows Usyk\’s recent victory over the kickboxing star in a crossover clash that proved far more competitive than many analysts expected.
The bout, which took place earlier this month at the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt, saw Oleksandr Usyk stop Rico Verhoeven in the final second of the 11th round. Despite the late finish, the victory was clouded by controversy as Verhoeven had performed exceptionally well, hurting the champion multiple times. Many observers believed the Dutchman held a commanding lead on the scorecards before the stoppage, which sparked heavy protest from Verhoeven’s team and the local crowd.
While some promoters, including Turki Alalshikh, have hinted at interest in a sequel due to Verhoeven\’s impressive showing, Warren has moved quickly to block that path. For the Queensberry boss, the focus has shifted entirely toward Agit Kabayel, the unbeaten WBC mandatory challenger who has been waiting for his opportunity at the world title since early 2025.
Frank Warren demands Oleksandr Usyk face mandatory challenger
The situation regarding the WBC title is now at a breaking point. Agit Kabayel secured the interim WBC world heavyweight title in February 2025 with a sixth-round stoppage of Zhilei Zhang. Since then, the unbeaten contender has remained the number one challenger, and Warren argues he can no longer be ignored in favor of non-title spectacles.
“Agit is the interim WBC champion and next in line,” Warren stated in a blunt assessment on social media. “Usyk now either has to fight him or vacate, it’s as simple as that. Queensberry are more than ready to make the fight.” The promoter’s insistence puts significant pressure on the champion’s camp to choose between keeping the green belt or pursuing other high-profile interests that do not involve the mandatory contender.
Warren has confirmed that his team is pushing for the Kabayel defense to take place in autumn 2026. Given Kabayel’s patience in the number one spot, the WBC is expected to order the fight shortly. If negotiations fail to materialize, the sanctioning body may be forced to strip Usyk of the title, an outcome Warren suggests is inevitable if the champion seeks a different path.
The fallout from Giza and heavyweight rankings
The Egyptian crossover event was intended to be a stay-busy fight for Usyk, but the toughness of the bout has changed the surrounding narrative. Warren admitted that Verhoeven’s aggression and ringside craft surprised him. With Usyk\’s rivalry with Tyson Fury having already seen two meetings, the champion has been looking to define his remaining career path.
However, Warren is adamant that the rules of the sport must apply to everyone, regardless of their status. “You’re a champion, you defend the belts,” Warren stated. He believes Agit Kabayel is a “real class act” who has earned his position by beating every opponent placed before him. For Kabayel, a showdown with Usyk represents the culmination of a long wait to contest the full world championship.
The German heavyweight is expected to formally demand the sanctioned showdown if terms are not reached in the coming weeks. His team at Queensberry maintains that they have a fighter who has cleared every hurdle and now deserves the chance to become a world heavyweight champion, regardless of the celebrity appeal of other potential matchups.
Alternative routes and the pursuit of undisputed titles
Oleksandr Usyk has never been shy about making bold moves with his hardware. In June 2024, he vacated his IBF title to allow a bout between Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois to proceed. There are indications he could follow a similar path if he chooses to prioritize other goals over his mandatory WBC defense against Agit Kabayel.
The champion has previously expressed interest in becoming a two-time undisputed ruler by potentially facing the winner of a Daniel Dubois vs. Joseph Parker matchup. Furthermore, Warren has noted that Dubois’s rise in the heavyweight ranks has created several high-level options, including a possible clash with Fabio Wardley. Usyk could theoretically look toward these winners before engaging in a trilogy with Tyson Fury.
But the Agit Kabayel mandate sits directly in the middle of these plans. If Usyk decides his legacy is best served by holding all the gold, he must pass through the German challenger first. Warren’s ultimatum serves a dual purpose: securing a life-changing opportunity for his fighter or ensuring Agit Kabayel is elevated to full champion status if Usyk chooses to walk away from the belt.
