Agit Kabayel open to defending WBC heavyweight title against all comers

Agit Kabayel says he will defend his newly elevated WBC heavyweight title against any top contender willing to step up.

The German fighter, who became champion after Oleksandr Usyk relinquished his belts, told Sky Sports he wants to fight this fall and has no shortage of names in mind. Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua top his wishlist. "For me it's no problem, I'll fight with everyone," Kabayel said, per Bad Left Hook. "Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua, when you think you have a chance to be a three-time world champion, let's do it. Kabayel will wait for you."

Kabayel eyes Moses Itauma, Daniel Dubois as backup options

Fury and Joshua are reportedly finalizing a fall bout against each other, which would block either from facing Kabayel in the near term. That leaves rising contenders Moses Itauma, Daniel Dubois, and Fabio Wardley as more realistic options. Kabayel welcomed the Itauma possibility if the British prospect gets past Zhilei Zhang. "No problem. The winner of that fight versus Hrgovic, why not?" he said. "And also we can make a fight with Daniel or Fabio Wardley. Anyone."

The 33-year-old stopped Damian Knyba in January and is targeting a September or October return. His willingness to face WBO titleholder Dubois or unbeaten Itauma suggests he intends to stay active rather than wait for a Fury-Joshua winner.

Kabayel closed by repeating his open challenge. "My phone is here, please call me."

Reported via:

• Bad Left Hook — ‘I’ll fight with everyone’: Agit Kabayel welcomes title defense against all top heavyweights