Frank Warren insists Oleksandr Usyk must face Agit Kabayel next, rejecting a potential Rico Verhoeven rematch. Usyk survived a dramatic 11th-round stoppage in Giza, thwarting Verhoeven's challenge to the WBC title. Warren argued that Kabayel, the WBC mandatory challenger, deserves the fight, warning that skipping him could force Usyk to vacate or lose his belt. "If he doesn't take it, he'll have to vacate it, or be stripped," Warren said, emphasizing the obligation to defend titles.

The controversy stems from Turki Alalshikh, Usyk's promoter, suggesting a Verhoeven rematch after the Dutch fighter's competitive performance. Despite Verhoeven's effort—Warren admitted he "thought he was winning"—Warren remains firm. Kabayel, who has defeated top contenders, is framed as the logical next step. Usyk's camp agrees, pushing for an autumn fight. The WBC's stance hinges on Usyk honoring mandatory challenger rules, a tradition Warren insists on upholding.

Warren praised Verhoeven's resilience but called the scoring debatable. "I did feel the referee could have let it go," he said, acknowledging the fight's excitement. However, his priority is clarity: "You're a champion, you defend the belts." Skipping Kabayel risks undermining Usyk's legacy and the WBC's credibility. With Kabayel's undefeated record against top-tier opponents, the matchup represents a test of Usyk's dominance. If negotiations fail, Usyk faces dire consequences—vacating the title or forfeiting it. This isn't just about pride; it's about preserving the heavyweight division's integrity.