Okolie said teams involved in the heavyweight title picture may have to push the sanctioning body to make sure the mandatory fight takes place.
“Everyone will have to enforce the issue, Agit’s team, my team,” Okolie continued Sky Sports. “We will all have to enforce the position and hope that the WBC does the right thing.”
Kabayel won the interim title and the mandatory place for the full championship. If the title holder does not defend against the mandatory challenger, the belt can be taken away and made available for another fight.
Okolie believes that step may become necessary if there is no agreement on the Kabayel fight.
“Usyk has to fight him,” Okolie said. “If he doesn’t box him in time and agrees, strip him and then let him box whoever he wants to box at the end of the year.”
That result will put Kabayel in a position to fight for the full WBC heavyweight championship, with Okolie hoping to enter contention if he wins his next bout.
Okolie takes on Tony Yoka on April 25 in Paris. A victory would improve his position in the WBC rankings and move him closer to Kabayel in the title line.
The former cruiserweight champion said the opportunity for a heavyweight title fight is one reason he wants a strong result against Yoka.
“That’s why I’m so keen to beat Yoka and beat him well because I know what’s coming off the back of it,” Okolie said. “So I just have to get it done.”
Okolie also shared his views on another heavyweight title fight expected later this year. He believes Daniel Dubois will defeat Fabio Wardley if they meet for the WBO belt.
“I think Dubois is going to win because he has a lot more experience at the level and he’s beaten better guys,” Okolie said. “If they start trading, unless Fabio is that much faster than him, Dan definitely hits harder than him.”
Okolie remains focused on the Yoka fight in Paris for now, while the heavyweight division waits to see if the WBC orders Usyk to defend the belt against Kabayel.
Okolie takes on Tony Yoka on April 25 in Paris.
