After the match, Kabayel talked about a lead for a title shot, and he didn’t mention that he wanted to face Okolie. His focus remains on a full title event against unified champion Oleksandr Usyk, who holds the IBF, WBA and WBC heavyweight titles.
From Kabayel’s position, this is an obvious step. As a WBC interim champion pushing for a fight against Usyk, there’s no need to risk that spot against a contender like Okolie, who doesn’t bring a belt and isn’t a commercial draw. There is no advantage for Kabayel to face him.
This leaves Okolie in a familiar position. He is in a position where he has no choice but to wait because he cannot force a fight against Kabayel.
Okolie’s heavyweight run has been active, but hasn’t changed how the top names talk about him. He is a former WBO cruiserweight champion and briefly held the WBC flyweight title before relinquishing it to pursue opportunities at heavyweight. Since moving up, he has won three fights. Those wins kept him relevant on paper, but they didn’t force a decision from the fighters he calls out.
The WBC has already mapped out a clearer route. At its convention, the organization recommended an eliminator between Okolie and Moses Itauma. Itauma will face Jermaine Franklin later this month. If Itauma wins, the choice before Okolie becomes harder to avoid. Take the switch, or stay on the outside while others aim higher.
Okolie is also eyeing the broader heavyweight picture, including the expected return of Tyson Fury, but those fights depend on timing and leverage that he does not control.
For now the situation is simple. Okolie wants Kabayel. Kabayel wants Usyk. Ranking alone doesn’t close that distance, and waiting hasn’t worked so far.
