Oleksandr Usyk has indicated that a bout with Agit Kabayel remains a possibility, despite earlier suggestions that it was not part of his immediate plans.
Usyk is scheduled to return in May, defending his WBC heavyweight title against Rico Verhoeven in Egypt. Prior to this latest update, the Ukrainian outlined a path that included facing the winner of Fabio Wardley vs Daniel Dubois, followed by a potential third fight with Tyson Fury.
Kabayel, the WBC mandatory challenger, was not initially mentioned in that plan. However, Usyk has now suggested that the situation remains open.
“Maybe I will fight Kabayel – maybe I don’t face Tyson Fury for a third time and I fight Kabayel instead,” Usyk said. “I only say my plan but that is not set in stone.”
He also acknowledged the pressure surrounding the mandatory position. “I understand the Agit fans are saying you must fight him… but I don’t have to fight him.”
Despite that stance, Usyk spoke positively about Kabayel, describing him as “a great fighter” and “very smart,” leaving the door open for a future meeting.
Image Credit: ESPN