Usyk is scheduled to return in May, with discussions around a bout involving Rico Verhoeven drawing attention. Beyond that, Usyk had outlined a route toward the winner of Fabio Wardley vs Daniel Dubois for the WBO belt, with a Fury trilogy also under consideration.
Kabayel had been left out of the picutre. That has now changed, with Usyk clarifying his stance in comments to Daily Mail.
“Maybe I will fight Kabayel – maybe I don’t face Tyson Fury for a third time and I fight Kabayel instead.
“I only say my plan but that is not set in stone. I understand the Agit fans are saying you must fight him, you must fight him. But I don’t have to fight him.
“I 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’s possible I fight Agit. All I can say is he’s a great fighter and he’s very smart.”
The WBC position remains clear. Kabayel is the unbeaten mandatory challenger, and pressure has been building for that fight to be enforced.
Usyk, though, is still looking at the broader picture. A bout with the Wardley vs Dubois winner would put another belt in play and keep him on track toward becoming a three-time undisputed heavyweight champion.
For now, Usyk has options. The order of those fights is no longer fixed, and Kabayel is back in the conversation.
