Oleksandr Usyk faces mandatory defense requirements to retain his WBC heavyweight title.
WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman revealed whether he will honor Agit Kabayel’s position amid Oleksandr Usyk’s controversial victory over Rico Verhoeven.
The Ukrainian champion’s next steps have been the subject of recent discussion within boxing’s governing bodies.
Usyk successfully retained his WBC world title on Saturday but many believe that professional boxing novice Verhoeven was wrongfully stopped in round 11.
The 37-year-old was ultimately stopped in round 11, where referee Mark Lyson called a halt shortly after Verhoeven survived a heavy knockdown. Many feel that the stoppage came too early and raised questions on why the referee waved it off at the sound of the bell.
WBC President Makes Announcement
Sulaiman addressed questions about Usyk’s mandatory challenger obligations in the heavyweight division. The WBC president’s comments come as the sanctioning body evaluates the title picture at heavyweight.
He told Pro Boxing Fans that Verhoeven will not be permitted to jump WBC ‘interim’ champion Kabayel in his pursuit of a second title shot.
“Kabayel is the mandatory contender [to Usyk’s belt]. [But] Rico is going to get ranked [by the WBC], for sure. And he deserves to fight again for the WBC world title.”
Usyk currently holds recognized championship status in the heavyweight division across multiple sanctioning bodies. The former undisputed cruiserweight champion has established himself as one of the sport’s elite heavyweights since moving up in weight.