Full Breakdown
WBC Orders Oleksandr Usyk to Defend Heavyweight Title Against Interim Champion Agit Kabayel After Controversial Verhoeven Bout
6/4/2026, 12:51:46 AM
Background & Context
Ukrainian Oleksandr Usyk entered May 24, 2024, as the unified WBC, WBA Super and IBF heavyweight champion. He faced Dutch kick-boxing legend Rico Verhoeven in Egypt, a bout that ended in an 11th-round knockout loss for Verhoeven. The fight was a voluntary defense; the WBC accepted it as an exception, while the WBA and IBF announced that their belts would be declared vacant should Usyk lose, leaving Verhoeven unable to claim those titles. After the fight, Verhoeven’s performance earned him a place in the WBC heavyweight rankings at No. 8 and the WBA’s at No. 15, despite a 1-1 professional boxing record.
Timeline
- May 24, 2024 – Usyk defeats Verhoeven by 11th-round KO in Egypt.
- May 28, 2024 – WBC updates heavyweight rankings, placing Verhoeven #8; WBA ranks him #15.
- Early June 2024 – WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman publicly orders Usyk to face interim champion Agit Kabayel as a mandatory defense, giving the champion 30 days to accept.
- June 2024 (pending) – Potential negotiations for the Usyk-Kabayel bout; a rematch with Verhoeven is ruled out for now.
Data & Statistics
- Rico Verhoeven: Kick-boxing record 66-10 (21 KOs); professional boxing record 1-1 (1 KO). Ranked #8 (WBC) and #15 (WBA); not listed in WBO or IBF top-15.
- Agit Kabayel: Professional record 27-0 (19 KOs); holds the WBC interim heavyweight title; ranked among the division’s top contenders.
- Oleksandr Usyk: Age 33; unified heavyweight champion; unbeaten in 33 professional bouts.
Official Statements & Responses
WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman told Sky Sports that the organization “accepted Usyk’s request for a voluntary title defense, which has now taken place. Now we have the mandatory fight between Usyk and interim champion Kabayel.” Usyk responded that he is “ready to fight both” Kabayel and a potential rematch with Verhoeven, emphasizing his willingness to “box both of them, no problem.” Kabayel, via social media, urged Usyk to honor the mandatory obligation, stating that “if you don’t fight, you will vacate the title.” Saudi promoter Turki Alalshikh suggested a sequence: first Kabayel, then a Verhoeven rematch in the Netherlands.
Criticism & Opposition
Analysts and fans criticized the decision to allow Verhoeven to challenge for a world title in only his second professional bout, labeling the move “premature” and “controversial.” The WBA and IBF reiterated that their belts would be at risk only if Usyk lost, effectively limiting Verhoeven’s ability to claim them. Critics argue that the rapid ranking elevation undermines traditional merit-based pathways.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the status of Verhoeven’s eligibility for the WBA and IBF belts: one report states those titles would be declared vacant if Usyk lost, while another notes Verhoeven could only earn a ranking, not the belt itself. Additionally, the exact deadline for Usyk’s acceptance of the Kabayel fight varies between “30 days” and “a short window” across reports.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I think we showcased that we might be the best.” — Rico Verhoeven, boxer
- “only the dead haven't said that Akela missed.” — Oleksandr Usyk, post-fight interview
- “We want to see the fight with Kabayel, and then a rematch against Verhoeven in the Netherlands, Turki said.” — Turki Alalshikh, promoter
- “You promised me. Usyk, come out.” — Agit Kabayel, Instagram video
- “I can box both of them, no problem, Usyk said.” — Oleksandr Usyk, press conference
What’s Next
Usyk must either negotiate a bout with Kabayel within the stipulated period or relinquish the WBC title. Kabayel’s camp has set a 30-day response window, while negotiations for a potential Verhoeven rematch remain on hold pending the outcome of the mandatory defense. The next heavyweight title fight is expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
