Harsh ultimatum for Usyk: World title at risk after June 30 deadline
Oleksandr Usyk (photo: Getty Images)
Tough deadline and threat of losing the belt
The situation surrounding the title defense is critical and highly significant for the Ukrainian boxer. If Oleksandr Usyk (25-0, 16 KOs) refuses to step into the ring against the mandatory challenger, he could be stripped of his WBC championship belt.
In that case, Germany’s Agit Kabayel (27-0, 19 KOs), who currently holds the organization’s interim title, would automatically be promoted to full world champion status or would fight for the vacant belt against another top contender.
WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman clearly stated that this mega-fight must take place in 2026:
“Agit is the WBC interim champion and mandatory contender for Oleksandr Usyk. He has earned his stripes. He took part in that heavyweight extravaganza three years ago in Saudi Arabia, and defeated everyone… The fight between Agit and Oleksandr has to happen this year”.
Stadium in Germany and Saudi Arabia’s interest
The organization of this bout is being actively lobbied by Turki Alalshikh, head of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority.
The influential patron stated that he wants to see a clash between two undefeated heavyweights in the near future.
At the same time, the proposed venue is not the Middle East but a large football stadium in Germany, Kabayel’s home country.
The Ukrainian champion recently fought in an unusual setting. On May 23, 2026, Oleksandr Usyk held a mega-fight near the pyramids in Egypt.
Usyk currently holds three major belts in boxing’s heavyweight division — WBC, WBA, and IBF. The WBC has previously stated its intention to strictly enforce mandatory defenses to avoid stagnation in the heavyweight division, where other contenders are forced to wait years for their chance.
Now, the fate of one of Usyk’s titles will be decided at the negotiating table within the coming week.
