Dogli Wilberforce
Oleksandr Usyk has eased his stance on a potential clash with Agit Kabayel, raising fresh uncertainty around a long-discussed third fight with Tyson Fury. The undisputed heavyweight champion, speaking in an interview with the Daily Mail, said Kabayel could fit into his plans following his upcoming title defense against Rico Verhoeven in May.
Usyk had previously outlined a clear path that moved away from Kabayel, but his latest comments suggest a shift. While he remains linked to the winner of the WBO eliminator between Fabio Wardley and Daniel Dubois, the bigger picture now looks more flexible than before.
Oleksandr Usyk Leaves Options Open After Verhoeven Fight
Usyk made it clear his plans are not locked in, even as expectations build around his next few fights.
“Maybe I will fight Kabayel, maybe I don’t face Tyson Fury for a third time, and I fight Kabayel instead. I only say my plan, but that is not set in stone. I understand the Agit fans are saying you must fight him. But I don’t have to fight him. I must live my life, I must look after my team, my children. As for fighting, I just work hard, and my opponents work hard.”
“Maybe it’s possible I fight Agit. He’s a great fighter, and he’s very smart.”
That tone is different from earlier this year when Usyk’s roadmap appeared fixed. Now, he is clearly keeping multiple paths open depending on how things play out.
Mandatory Pressure Builds Around Agit Kabayel
Kabayel’s position as WBC mandatory challenger has been a talking point for months. His camp has pushed hard for a title shot, arguing he has earned it.
The 32-year-old remains unbeaten and is viewed as one of the more disciplined heavyweights outside the top tier. Usyk’s public praise only adds weight to his case.
If Usyk chooses Kabayel next, it would satisfy the sanctioning body’s expectations and quiet criticism of avoiding mandatories. If not, the pressure will likely increase.
Tyson Fury Trilogy No Longer Guaranteed
A third fight with Fury once looked inevitable after their two previous bouts. Now, that scenario is far less certain.
Fury has continued to call for the trilogy following his December 2024 loss, but Usyk’s latest comments suggest it is no longer a priority.
Everything now hinges on timing. The Wardley-Dubois winner still factors into the title picture, and Usyk’s May bout with Verhoeven remains the immediate focus.
For now, the heavyweight division stays fluid. One thing is clear, though. Usyk is still the one deciding what comes next.
