Agit Kabayel wants to lure Oleksandr Usyk into a blockbuster stadium clash in Germany next year.
Undisputed champion Usyk has yet to officially confirm his next move, after stopping Daniel Dubois for a second consecutive time in July.
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Usyk has been subject to new fight interest as he awaits his next move in 2026Credit: Getty
He is currently in negotiations to fight British heavyweight Fabio Wardley, who has now been ordered by the WBO to get the next shot at the title-holder.
But the Ukrainian recently suggested he now plans to fight for several more outings, and would be open to a number of alternative bouts moving forward.
Kabayel, the dangerous WBC interim champion, is hopeful that he can be in line for a shot at Usyk in 2026.
And the undefeated heavyweight believes a showdown with Usyk at a stadium in his native Germany makes the most sense.
” Why not?” Kabayel said when asked about a showdown with Usyk.
“The fans will say Agit Kabayel is the best body puncher in the division.
“In Germany, there are so many Ukrainian people. It’s easy to make a full stadium with this fight.
“My last performance was very good. If Usyk accepts it, I’m ready.”
Kabayel will first need to get through his January 10 clash with fellow unbeaten star Damian Knyba, if he is to earn a shot at Usyk.
He is viewed by many as a ‘boogeyman’ in the division, and some even believe he could cause the most problems to the currently impenetrable Usyk.
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Kabayel wants to be the one to face Usyk after his order in 2026Credit: GettyWhat is next for Oleksandr Usyk?
It is currently unclear when Usyk will return, but it of course won’t be until 2026.
The Ukrainian king was originally ordered to face Joseph Parker, but delayed the bout as he recovered from injuries from his victory over Dubois.
Now Wardley has hijacked Parker’s mandated shot at the belts and is ready to face the champion as soon as a bout can be arranged.
Promoter Frank Warren has touted March as a potential date, with the bout needing to take place in a stadium.
Although should Usyk’s comeback be delayed, Wardley could incredibly be ordered to face stablemate Moses Itauma first.
But Wardley’s manager Dillian Whyte doesn’t expect Usyk will avoid the imminent challenge from Ipswich native.
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Usyk is the man to beat in the division, and it is expected Fabio Wardley is next in lineCredit: GETTY
He said: “Usyk doesn’t seem to run away from any challenge. He’s faced all the best fighters.
“If you look at the last 10 fights Oleksandr has had, it’s the best fighter at cruiserweight, the best in the world, the best at heavyweight, the best in the world… There’s no reason why he shouldn’t fight Fabio.
“You never know a big fight might come out of left field for Usyk, but as a fan and as the kind of person I think is, I don’t think he’ll vacate. I think he’ll fight Fabio Wardley.”