Agit Kabayel has officially been promoted to WBC heavyweight champion after Oleksandr Usyk vacated the prestigious green belt. The decision brings an end to weeks of speculation surrounding the heavyweight division and gives the unbeaten German his first recognised world title as boxing enters a new chapter.
Usyk had been ordered to defend the WBC championship against mandatory challenger Kabayel, but chose to relinquish the belt instead. The Ukrainian has stated that he does not want to hold up the heavyweight division as he approaches the final stages of his professional boxing career.
Kabayel finally reaches the top
Kabayel has quietly built one of the strongest boxing records in the heavyweight division. The 33 year old captured the WBC interim title with an impressive victory over Zhilei Zhang in February 2025 before successfully defending it against Damian Knyba earlier this year in Germany.
Those victories established Kabayel as the mandatory challenger, leaving Usyk with the choice of defending his title or vacating it. With the WBC deadline approaching, the governing body has now confirmed Kabayel's promotion to full heavyweight champion.
It marks the biggest achievement of Kabayel's career and places him among the elite names in world boxing as one of the division's recognised champions.
Usyk steps aside as heavyweight picture changes
Usyk's decision follows a familiar pattern from earlier in his career. The unified champion has previously vacated world titles rather than fulfil mandatory obligations when pursuing bigger opportunities. This time, however, he has explained that he wants to avoid delaying other contenders as his remarkable career moves towards its conclusion.
The Ukrainian leaves behind a remarkable legacy after defeating Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury to establish himself as one of the finest heavyweight champions of the modern era. His achievements have secured his place near the top of many pound for pound rankings and among the greatest champions in boxing history.
With Kabayel now holding the WBC belt, the heavyweight boxing landscape has shifted once again, creating several intriguing possibilities for the months ahead.
Could Tyson Fury be next?
One of the biggest talking points now centres on Tyson Fury. The former WBC champion has previously spoken positively about a potential fight with Kabayel, having trained alongside the German earlier in their careers.
A world title fight between the pair would carry significant appeal, particularly given Fury's history with the WBC championship. At the same time, fans continue to speculate over a long awaited showdown between Fury and Anthony Joshua, although no official agreement has been announced.
Kabayel's elevation gives him greater negotiating power than ever before, meaning some of the biggest names in heavyweight boxing could now be chasing his championship rather than the other way around.
What Happens Next
The heavyweight division enters another fascinating period with Agit Kabayel now recognised as WBC heavyweight champion. Attention will quickly turn towards his first title defence and whether Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua or another leading contender emerges as his first challenger. Boxing Wiretap will continue bringing the latest boxing news, heavyweight boxing analysis and reaction as the championship picture develops.