Former undisputed heavyweight champion Mike Tyson has publicly urged Oleksandr Usyk to face WBC interim champion Agit Kabayel next, appearing in a video to demand the champion clarify his future plans. The message, posted to Agit Kabayel’s Instagram account following a meeting in Berlin, featured Mike Tyson addressing the champion directly.
“Come Usyk, come get us, baby. We need that money, baby, come get us,” the boxing icon stated, throwing his weight behind the unbeaten German’s callout.
The intervention comes at a critical time for Oleksandr Usyk, who is coming off a controversial victory over Rico Verhoeven beneath the Pyramids of Giza.
While Agit Kabayel has spent years working toward a title shot, the champion still holds significant leverage as a premier attraction and could potentially pursue a more lucrative rematch with Rico Verhoeven. This uncertainty has left the mandatory challenger growing impatient as he waits for a signature on a contract.
World Boxing Council (WBC) President Mauricio Sulaiman has already weighed in on the matter, confirming Agit Kabayel’s position as the rightful challenger. Mauricio Sulaiman recently stated that the fight should happen before the end of the year, noting that Agit Kabayel “has earned his stripes” through his persistence in the division.
Despite this institutional backing, the final decision remains with the champion’s camp as they weigh various high-profile options.
Germany prepares for a potential stadium event
If the bout is finalized, boxing insiders expect a massive turnout in Germany. Bernd Boente, the former manager of the Klitschko brothers, recently stated that the matchup would be a major event for the country.
Bernd Boente believes the large Ukrainian population in Germany would help create a stadium atmosphere similar to the heights of the Klitschko era. Such an event would mark one of Germany’s most significant heavyweight dates in recent history.
The logistics of the fight align with several promotional interests. It would allow the German challenger to capitalize on the opportunity he earned while helping the champion fulfill a mandatory obligation. While some fans have wondered about the com/eddie-hearn-usyk-rico-verhoeven-egypt-historic-moment/”>Usyk-Rico Egypt bout and its lasting impact on the division, the focus has now shifted to whether the WBC mandates will be respected or if a rematch will take precedence.
There is also the peculiar possibility of a title change occurring without a single punch being thrown. If the champion decides to bypass the mandatory defense in favor of a larger payday against Rico Verhoeven, the WBC title could potentially be awarded to Agit Kabayel via paperwork.
This outcome would make the German a world champion, but it would deprive him of the career-defining victory in the ring he has sought for years.
WBC June 2026 rankings and the heavyweight landscape
The current heavyweight climate remains complex, with several contenders jockeying for position. According to the June 2026 Rankings released by the WBC, Deontay Wilder is currently ranked seven, while Rico Verhoeven sits at number eight.
Should the fight with the champion fall through, a former champion like Deontay Wilder could be a viable alternative for a stadium-level event in Germany. Filling such a venue for a first title defense would require a name with significant drawing power.
The champion’s decision-making process is further complicated by other potential narratives in the division. Discussions have persisted regarding a rematch with Tyson Fury or potential retirement bouts. Furthermore, the champion has previously expressed brain health concerns within the sport, which may influence how many more times he is willing to step into the ring against top-tier contenders.
For now, the boxing world remains in a holding pattern. While Mike Tyson’s public support has amplified the pressure on the champion, the mandatory challenger remains fixed on securing his shot.
Whether the champion chooses the mandatory route in Germany or a more lucrative path elsewhere will determine the trajectory of the heavyweight titles for the remainder of 2026. Mauricio Sulaiman and the WBC have made their stance clear; the ball is now firmly in the champion’s court.
