Agit Kabayel officially elevated to WBC heavyweight champion after Usyk vacated

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Ring Magazine confirm Saturday that Kabayel was elevated from WBC interim champion to full titleholder following Usyk’s decision to relinquish his WBC championship rather than continue with a mandatory title defense.

Kabayel has held the WBC interim belt since February 2025, when he stopped Zhilei Zhang with a stiff body attack to gain mandatory challenger status. He remained patient as he waited for his opportunity and stayed active with a third round knockout of Damian Knyba earlier this year.

The WBC recently ordered Usyk to defend his title against Kabayel, with both camps given until June 30 to reach an agreement before the bout would go to bid. Instead, Usyk vacated the championship, allowing Kabayel to inherit the full version of the belt.

The promotion marks a steady rise for the unbeaten German, who has amassed a professional record of 27-0 with 19 knockouts while defeating a string of respected heavyweight contenders. Although Kabayel becomes champion without defeating Usyk in the ring, he has already secured his position as the WBC’s mandatory challenger by winning and successfully retaining the interim title.

With Kabayel now recognized as the WBC heavyweight champion, the division moves into a new era following Usyk’s decision to relinquish three of his world titles as he goes ahead with what has been described as the final fight of his professional career.