Agit Kabayel (26-0, 18 KO’s) is considered one of the best heavyweights (200+ lbs) in the division but is clearly facing a stroke of misfortune as he is forced to stay active with a tune-up fight rather than an actual shot at a world title.
As was revealed yesterday, the German WBC interim heavyweight champion has been confirmed by his promotion, Queensberry Promotions, to be headlining a show in Germany against a yet-to-be-named opponent on January 10 in 2026. The Rudolf-Weber-Arena in Oberhausen has been chosen as the venue for Kabayel’s homecoming.
And that opponent is unlikely to be undisputed champion Oleksandr Usyk (24-0, 15 KO’s).
Usyk had been ordered by the WBO to face WBO interim champion Joseph Parker (36-3, 24 KO’s) in July but received a 90-day extension of negotiations due to a back surgery sustained from Usyk’s undisputed fight against Daniel Dubois. WBO president Gustavo Olivieri would further rule that the Ukrainian would need to face the winner of the upcoming October 25 Parker-Wardley bout who will also hold the WBO interim heavyweight title.
With Usyk unavailable for Agit Kabayel and potentially set to face either Parker or Wardley depending on who comes out on top on October 25, Kabayel’s upcoming stay-busy fight would do little to improve his chances of becoming a world champion ― especially if matched with dangerous opponents such as Filip Hrgovic or Moses Itauma who are also signed to Queensberry.
Though Kabayel is in possession of the WBC interim heavyweight world title, holding the belt has not translated to a fight with the current holder of the WBC title, Oleksandr Usyk, with it being the WBO’s turn to ensure the Ukrainian holds to his duties as a beltholder ― preventing the WBC from ordering a fight between Kabayel and Usyk.
