Oleksandr Usyk has stated that he has three fights remaining in the sport, 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.
Earlier this month, the undefeated Ukrainian unveiled a three-man hit list, 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 ‘The Gypsy King’.
However, fans were quick to point out that two major names were not present in Usyk’s plans – top-rated prospect, Moses Itauma, and WBC Interim champion and mandatory challenger, Agit Kabayel.
As a result, Usyk received some criticism for targeting a third fight with Fury and avoiding those who had earned a shot at the heavyweight throne, with Kabayel deemed by some to be the heavyweight division’s best chance of dethroning Usyk, with Fury himself backing the German to ‘take over’ the division.
In response, 39-year-old Usyk has told Daily Mail that he is open to a clash with Kabayel, with that fight potentially replacing Fury in his three-fight plan.
“I understand the Agit fans are saying you must fight him, you must fight him, but I don’t have to fight him.”
“Maybe I will fight Kabayel – maybe I don’t face Tyson Fury for a third time and I fight Kabayel instead.”
“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.”
Before Usyk can look too far into the future, he must overcome Verhoeven and defend his WBC heavyweight crown on Saturday, May 23.