Frank Warren says Oleksandr Usyk should be stripped or forced to vacate if he pursues a rematch with Rico Verhoeven instead of defending against Agit Kabayel.
Kabayel holds the WBC interim heavyweight title and has been waiting for his shot at Usyk, who also holds the IBF and WBA belts. Warren, who represents the unbeaten German, believes Kabayel has done enough to earn his opportunity and does not want to see Usyk-Verhoeven run back after Saturday’s controversial ending in Egypt.
“[Kabayel] has beaten everybody he's put in front of him, and he's a real, real class act, a lovely guy, and he can fight,” Warren told Sky Sports. “He deserves to be in, in the number one spot, and he's been there for a while.”
Usyk stopped Verhoeven at the end of the 11th round, but the finish was widely debated, with many fans arguing the kickboxing champion deserved the chance to continue. Warren, however, is not interested in seeing a rematch take priority. “They’re talking about maybe doing a rematch with Usyk and Rico, we’re not going to stand for that,” he said.
The WBC had already confirmed at its convention last December that Usyk must face Kabayel in 2026 after one voluntary defense if he wants to keep the title. Warren now wants that ruling enforced. “If he doesn’t take it, he’ll have to vacate it, or be stripped, it’s as simple as that,” he said. “You’re a champion, you defend the belts… if you don’t defend them, then you’ve got to give them up.”
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