Usyk’s sporting director, Sergey Lapin, recently said the undefeated heavyweight champion would only return for “major events,” and some fans immediately interpreted the comment as a warning sign for contenders like Kabayel and Frank Sanchez.
The reaction has grown louder because neither Kabayel nor Sanchez currently fits the commercial profile of a Tyson Fury fight, an Anthony Joshua showdown, or even a Rico Verhoeven rematch, despite both men being viewed as dangerous opponents.
Kabayel has spent the last year forcing his way into the title picture with wins over Frank Sanchez and Arslanbek Makhmudov, while Sanchez rebuilt momentum by knocking out Richard Torrez Jr. earlier this month.
But some fans believe Team Usyk could now try to steer toward bigger commercial events instead of risky mandatory fights.
That theory gained traction after Usyk struggled before stopping Verhoeven in Egypt. The fight generated crossover attention, debate over the stoppage, and immediate discussion about a rematch.
Some fans now believe a second fight with Rico could become the perfect bridge while Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua move toward their expected showdown later this year.
If Fury defeats Joshua, a third fight with Usyk instantly becomes marketable again. If Joshua wins, another Usyk-Joshua bout would also carry major commercial value.
Kabayel, meanwhile, remains in a difficult position. Although respected by hardcore boxing fans, the unbeaten German contender does not currently carry the mainstream international profile of Fury, Joshua, or even Verhoeven after the Egypt event.
That has left some fans wondering whether Lapin’s “major event” comment was less about ambition and more about avoiding high-risk heavyweight contenders who bring danger without blockbuster business attached.
Olly Campbell is a boxing journalist who has covered the sport since 2014, providing ringside reporting and technical analysis of major bouts. His work focuses on fighter tendencies, tactical adjustments, and the details that shape high-level competition.