Oleksandr Usyk must defend WBC heavyweight title against Agit Kabayel next, says president Mauricio Sulaimán

WBC president Mauricio Sulaimán has reiterated that Oleksandr Usyk will be stripped of his world heavyweight title if he does not face Agit Kabayel.

Kabayel has been waiting patiently for his shot at the unified heavyweight champion, having held the position of WBC interim champion - and No 1 contender to Usyk - since February 2025.

The WBC sanctioned Usyk's voluntary defence of his belt against kickboxer Rico Verhoeven in Egypt on May 23, but ordered the Ukrainian to face mandatory challenger Kabayel in his next fight.

Usyk has faced calls for an immediate rematch with Verhoeven after the controversial finish in front of the pyramids, but it is not an option the WBC will consider.