Frank Warren: Usyk must be stripped if Verhoeven rematch next

Frank Warren says Oleksandr Usyk should be stripped of his WBC heavyweight title if he opts for a Rico Verhoeven rematch instead of facing mandatory challenger Agit Kabayel.

Warren, who promotes the undefeated German interim titlist, told Sky Sports that his fighter has earned his shot and will not tolerate further delays. The WBC ruled in December at its Bangkok convention that Usyk must face Kabayel in 2026 after one voluntary defense or risk losing the belt.

Kabayel's case for mandatory shot strengthened after Sanchez knockout

Kabayel's claim gained momentum over the weekend when Frank Sanchez, whom Kabayel previously defeated, stopped Richard Torrez Jr in two rounds. Hours later in Egypt, Usyk struggled through 11 grueling rounds with kickboxing champion Verhoeven before referee Mark Lyson halted the bout in a finish that sparked immediate controversy.

"Usyk's been there long enough, and he wants his moment," Warren said of Kabayel, who carries a 27-0 record with 19 knockouts. "If he doesn't take it, he'll have to vacate it, or be stripped, it's as simple as that. You're a champion, you defend the belts, that's what you're there for."

Warren dismissed talk of a Verhoeven rematch outright, saying his camp will push the WBC to enforce the Kabayel mandate this autumn. Usyk also holds the IBF and WBA heavyweight titles.

Source: boxingscene.com