{"id":562182,"date":"2026-03-26T14:07:08","date_gmt":"2026-03-26T14:07:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/562182\/"},"modified":"2026-03-26T14:07:08","modified_gmt":"2026-03-26T14:07:08","slug":"usyk-now-open-to-facing-the-man-tipped-to-take-over-the-division-fans-say-i-must","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/562182\/","title":{"rendered":"Usyk now open to facing the man tipped to ‘take over’ the division: “Fans say I must”"},"content":{"rendered":"

Oleksandr Usyk<\/a> has stated that he has three fights remaining in the sport<\/a>, with his final intended opponent being a familiar foe in Tyson Fury, who he defeated twice during 2024. Although, the unified heavyweight ruler has revealed another name whom his career could now culminate against.<\/p>\n

Earlier this month, the undefeated Ukrainian unveiled a three-man hit list<\/a>, beginning with his showdown at the Pyramids of Giza against Rico Verhoeven, then against the winner of Fabio Wardley vs Daniel Dubois and finally a trilogy contest with \u2018The Gypsy King\u2019.<\/p>\n

However, fans were quick to point out that two major names were not present in Usyk\u2019s plans \u2013 top-rated prospect, Moses Itauma, and WBC Interim champion and mandatory challenger, Agit Kabayel<\/a>.<\/p>\n

As a result, Usyk received some criticism for targeting a third fight with Fury<\/a> and avoiding those who had earned a shot at the heavyweight throne, with Kabayel deemed by some to be the heavyweight division\u2019s best chance of dethroning Usyk, with Fury himself backing the German to \u2018take over\u2019 the division<\/a>.<\/p>\n

In response, 39-year-old Usyk has told Daily Mail<\/a> that he is open to a clash with Kabayel, with that fight potentially replacing Fury in his three-fight plan.<\/p>\n

\u201cI understand the Agit fans are saying you must fight him, you must fight him, but I don\u2019t have to fight him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe I will fight Kabayel \u2013 maybe I don\u2019t face Tyson Fury for a third time and I fight Kabayel instead.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI must live my life, I must look after my team, my children. As for fighting, I just work hard and my opponents work hard. Look, maybe it\u2019s possible I fight Agit. All I can say is he\u2019s a great fighter and he\u2019s very smart.\u201d<\/p>\n

Before Usyk can look too far into the future, he must overcome Verhoeven and defend his WBC heavyweight crown on Saturday, May 23.<\/p>\n