Agit Kabayel demands Usyk fight after WBC sanctions Verhoeven bout

WBC interim heavyweight champion Agit Kabayel says he should be fighting Oleksandr Usyk instead of Rico Verhoeven.

The unbeaten German was reportedly stunned when the WBC greenlit Usyk's Saturday showcase against the kickboxing star at the Pyramids of Giza, according to BoxingScene. Kabayel had anticipated a mandatory challenge for the unified titles after capturing the interim strap, only to watch the sanctioning body approve what most observers consider an exhibition rather than a legitimate defense.

What happens to Kabayel's WBC interim title shot

Usyk holds the WBC, WBA, and WBO heavyweight belts after stopping Tyson Fury twice in their back-to-back fights. Kabayel, who claimed the WBC interim crown with wins over Arslanbek Makhmudov and Frank Sanchez, believed his position as interim champion guaranteed him next crack at the Ukrainian's hardware.

The Verhoeven bout takes place this weekend in Egypt, with Usyk facing a man who has never competed professionally in boxing's heavyweight division. Kabayel has not publicly stated whether he will pursue legal or promotional remedies to force the WBC's hand after Usyk completes the Verhoeven assignment.

Source: boxingscene.com