Kabayel (27-0, 19 KOs) has held the WBC interim title since February 2025, when he got off the floor in the fifth round to stop China’s Zhilei Zhang a round later. Germany’s Kabayel, The Ring’s No. 2 contender, has been forced to wait while Usyk (25-0, 16 KOs), a two-time fully undisputed heavyweight champ, first took the IBF belt from Daniel Dubois and successfully defended The Ring and WBC titles against Verhoeven in their massive crossover clash.

Kabayel may not have been active, but he hasn’t wasted his time. He has solidified his relationship with Warren’s Queensberry Promotions and remained visible. Approximately 12,000 fans turned out at Oberhausen’s Rudolf Weber-Arena on January 10 for Kabayel’s one-sided homecoming win over previously undefeated Polish contender Damian Knyba.

Kabayel, 33, was at ringside in Giza, Egypt, to see Usyk reach down into his bag of tricks and stop an inspired Verhoeven in the 11th round of their enthralling battle. He and Warren have patiently let the Ukrainian plot his own course, but are now tired of waiting.

“Whatever happens, they’re talking about maybe doing a rematch with Usyk and Rico. We're not going to stand for that,” Warren told Sky Sports. “Usyk’s been there long enough and [Kabayel] wants his moment. And that’s what we’ll be pushing for with WBC and hopefully we get it over the line and do that sometime in the autumn.”

Kabayel has been ready to test himself against Usyk for some time, but will be even more confident of ending the 39-year-old’s champion’s reign after seeing the way he struggled to control Verhoeven, an outstanding kickboxer but a boxing novice.

Warren believes Kabayel has more than earned his opportunity and will aim to make sure that he is at the front of the queue when Usyk decides on his next move.

“He’s a very, very good fighter,” Warren said. “He’s got great hand speed, skills. People have seen his fight with Zhang. He’s beaten everybody he’s had put in front of him and he’s a real, real class act. He’s a lovely guy and he can fight and he deserves to be in the number one spot.”