The backlash has grown louder because neither Kabayel nor Sanchez currently fit the commercial profile of a Tyson Fury fight, an Anthony Joshua showdown or even a Rico Verhoeven rematch, even though both men are considered dangerous opponents.
Kabayel has spent the past year forcing his way into the title picture with wins over Frank Sanchez and Arslanbek Makhmudov, while Sanchez has rebuilt momentum by defeating Richard Torrez Jr. out earlier this month.
But some fans believe Team Usyk may now try to steer towards bigger commercial opportunities instead of risky mandatory fights.
That theory gained traction after Usyk struggled before stopping Verhoeven in Egypt. The fight generated crossover attention, debate about the strike and immediate discussion about a rematch.
Some fans now believe that a second fight with Rico could be the perfect bridge as Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua move towards their expected showdown later this year.
If Fury defeats Joshua, a third fight with Usyk immediately becomes marketable again. If Joshua wins, another Usyk-Joshua fight would also have great commercial value.
Kabayel meanwhile remains in a difficult position. Although respected by hardcore boxing fans, the undefeated German contender does not currently carry the mainstream international profile of Fury, Joshua, or even Verhoeven to the Egypt event.
This led some fans to wonder if Lapin’s “big event” comment was less about ambition and more about avoiding high-risk heavyweight contenders who pose a risk without joining a giant business.
