Agit Kabayel sends message to Oleksandr Usyk amid talks of his potential rematch with Rico Verhoeven
The boxing community is abuzz with discussions of Oleksandr Usyk possibly facing Rico Verhoeven in an immediate rematch. Agit Kabayel has inserted himself into the equation.
WBC interim heavyweight champion Agit Kabayel has reaffirmed his intentions of challenging for the WBC heavyweight title at the earliest.
Germany's Kabayel is the WBC's mandatory challenger for WBC heavyweight kingpin Oleksandr Usyk.
In addition to the WBC belt, Usyk also holds the WBA, IBF, and Ring Magazine heavyweight belts. Kabayel has now taken aim at the lineal and unified heavyweight champ. He suggested that Usyk ought to either fight him or vacate the WBC heavyweight title.
Agit Kabayel sends a message to Oleksandr Usyk
Oleksandr Usyk's most recent boxing match witnessed him defend his unified heavyweight crown against kickboxing legend, ex-Glory kickboxing heavyweight champ Rico Verhoeven. Contrary to what many expected, Verhoeven, despite being comparatively inexperienced in the sport of boxing, managed to make their fight a closely contested one.
Going into round 11 of the 12-round boxing match, two of the three official judges had it even at 95-95, and one had it 96-94 in favor of Verhoeven. Nevertheless, Usyk ended up stunning and knocking down the Dutch fighter, courtesy of a vicious uppercut, late in the 11th round.
After Verhoeven got off the canvas and the action resumed, Usyk launched another volley of punches at him. Referee Mark Lyson stepped in and waved the fight off, handing Usyk the 11th-round TKO victory.
The stoppage was deemed as premature by a number of fans and experts, who've since been lobbying for an immediate rematch between Usyk and Verhoeven. However, Agit Kabayel has been a key figure in this equation -- not only because he's the WBC's mandatory challenger, but also due to his having waited for his title shot for quite a long time.
In an Instagram Stories post on his official Instagram handle, Kabayel has now sent the following message to Usyk:
"One thing I've learned in the past: just knocking people out and waiting in silence won't bring you to the world title. That's why I won't stay silent anymore."
Kabayel added, "Always respectful. No trash talk -- just real talk. Let's go, Usyk. Accept the fight or drop the belt."
Check out a screenshot of Agit Kabayel's Instagram Stories post below:
The potential Oleksandr Usyk vs. Rico Verhoeven rematch -- Agit Kabayel's shadow looms large
Saudi Arabian boxing promoter, His Excellency Turki Alalshikh, recently indicated that the controversial stoppage in the close fight between Oleksandr Usyk and Rico Verhoeven warrants a rematch between the two fighters.
Alalshikh also acknowledged that Agit Kabayel has patiently waited for his title shot. He notably implied that a stadium event in Germany could be on the cards, and Kabayel could receive his shot at Usyk there.
Moreover, Alalshikh added that the Verhoeven rematch could follow. He also underscored that Usyk has to decide whom he'll fight next.
