“WORDS CANNOT DESCRIBE WHAT THIS MOMENT MEANS TO ME…NOW IT’S UP TO US. HE HAS 30 DAYS TO ACCEPT. IF HE DOESN’T I BECOME THE FULL WBC WORLD CHAMPION,” Kabayel posted on social media.
The German competitor has earned its position. Victories over Zhilei Zhang, Frank Sanchez and Arslanbek Makhmudov transformed him from a fringe contender into one of the heavyweight division’s most dangerous fighters. His pressing style and dedication to body striking led many fans to question whether Usyk would accept the fight.
The skepticism comes from recent history. Usyk relinquished the WBO heavyweight title in November 2025 after the organization ordered him to defend against mandatory challenger Fabio Wardley. Rather than move forward with the defense, Usyk vacated the belt and continued to pursue other opportunities.
That precedent has left some fans wondering if the WBC title could suffer the same fate. A fight against Kabayel carries obvious risk. The undefeated contender brings constant pressure and has developed a reputation as one of the division’s best body punchers. At age 39, Usyk may have little interest in taking on that kind of assignment if bigger opportunities remain available. Yet the situation may not be so simple.
Turki Alalshikh publicly revealed last month that plans were being explored for a major Usyk event in Istanbul in 2027. The announcement immediately sparked speculation among fans as Kabayel, despite hailing from Germany, has Turkish roots.
At the time, many saw the comments as an early indication that a future Usyk-Kabayel fight could already be considered.
There is still a considerable amount of time between now and any potential Istanbul event. Usyk is unlikely to remain inactive for the rest of 2026, waiting for a fight next year. A third fight with Tyson Fury remains a possibility, while other opportunities may arise.
Yet the WBC’s order put Kabayel squarely in the middle of those discussions. If this is simply a mandatory defense, fans have reason to question whether Usyk will take the risk. If significant Riyadh season support is attached to the fight, the calculus becomes very different.
The next 30 days should reveal whether Kabayel is simply the WBC’s mandatory challenger or part of a larger plan that is already being developed behind the scenes.
