Usyk-Kabayel talks for Germany clash if champion beats Verhoeven

Discussions are expected between Turki Alalshikh and Oleksandr Usyk over a potential defence against Agit Kabayel in Germany later this year, contingent on Usyk defeating Rico Verhoeven on May 23.

Patience may yet deliver a title shot for Kabayel, the WBC interim heavyweight champion, who has positioned himself as the leading challenger for Usyk’s remaining belts. Turki Alalshikh is planning to meet with Usyk to explore staging a Ring Magazine heavyweight title fight in Kabayel’s home country in the second half of 2026, according to reporting from The Ring’s Mike Coppinger.

Kabayel strengthened his case in January with a stoppage win over previously unbeaten Damian Knyba in Germany, a performance that followed a run of victories on Riyadh Season cards against Arslanbek Makhmudov, Frank Sanchez and Zhilei Zhang. His return to Oberhausen drew a crowd of 12,000 at the Rudolf Weber-Arena, with early plans indicating a future stadium headline slot that avoids clashes with domestic football fixtures.

The unbeaten contender has been vocal about his intention to challenge for a full world title and has repeatedly targeted Usyk. He indicated last month that an originally planned May return would be delayed while he awaited the outcome of Usyk’s upcoming bout with Verhoeven before determining his next move.

WBC position could force mandatory defence

The WBC’s position looms over the situation, with Kabayel holding the interim title and therefore in line for a mandatory shot. Promoter Frank Warren has suggested the situation will require resolution, either through Usyk vacating the belt or proceeding with a mandatory defence.

Usyk had previously outlined a three-fight plan before retirement, naming Verhoeven, the winner of Fabio Wardley vs Daniel Dubois, and a trilogy bout with Tyson Fury. That roadmap may now require adjustment if the WBC formally orders a defence against Kabayel.

The Ukrainian returns on May 23 at the Pyramids of Giza, marking his first appearance since July, when he stopped Dubois to become a three-time undisputed champion. He has since vacated the WBO title but remains in possession of the WBA, WBC and IBF belts.

Wardley and Dubois are set to meet on May 9 in Manchester, with the winner previously identified as Usyk’s preferred next opponent. However, a mandatory obligation to Kabayel could take precedence over those plans.

Kabayel, unbeaten and active, is expected to return in the second half of the year regardless of opponent. If Usyk defeats Verhoeven, negotiations over a Germany-hosted title fight are likely to follow, with the WBC’s mandatory position set to play a decisive role in determining Usyk’s future plans at the top table in the heavyweight division.