WBC president Mauricio Sulaimán has issued a clear ultimatum to Oleksandr Usyk: defend against mandatory challenger Agit Kabayel or lose the WBC heavyweight title. Kabayel has held the interim championship and number one contender position since February 2025, patiently waiting for his shot at the unified champion.

The WBC sanctioned Usyk's voluntary defense against kickboxer Rico Verhoeven in Giza on May 23, but ruled out any immediate rematch despite the controversial 11th-round stoppage. Usyk survived a scare against Verhoeven, who pushed the champion before being dropped with just seconds remaining in their bout.

Sulaimán strongly defended referee Mark Lyson's decision to stop the fight, emphasizing that officials prioritize fighter safety over timekeeping. 'He's a lifekeeper, not a timekeeper,' Sulaimán told Sky Sports, supporting the controversial call that ended with Verhoeven's mouthpiece dislodged.

Usyk risks being stripped of the WBC belt if the Kabayel fight doesn't materialize, potentially leaving the heavyweight title picture in further flux. The Ukrainian currently holds the WBA Super and IBF titles alongside his WBC crown, though his undisputed status ended when he vacated the WBO title last November.