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Agit Kabayel could be Oleksandr Usyk's next opponent, but a rematch with Rico Verhoeven also remains a possibility down the line, according to the promoter.
Kabayel (27-0, 19 KOs) is next in line for the WBC title, which Usyk defended in a controversial and much tougher-than-expected victory over Verhoeven. The WBC is also due in the rotation of mandatory defenses among the sanctioning bodies, ahead of the IBF and WBA, whose titles Usyk also holds but were not on the line in that bout.
It's worth noting that Usyk (25-0, 16 KOs) has a history of vacating titles if he's unwilling to fulfill a mandatory defense imposed by any of the federations. He has twice been an undisputed heavyweight champion and in those situations, he has relinquished belts to pursue more lucrative fights. Kabayel has been patiently awaiting his shot, with whispers even before the Rico fight suggesting he would be next. However, only time will tell if this indeed comes to fruition.
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