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Agit Kabayel Named WBC Heavyweight Champion After Usyk Withdrawal, First German Since 1932
The WBC has declared German boxer Agit Kabayel the world heavyweight champion following the voluntary relinquishment of all his titles by Ukrainian champion Oleksandr Usyk. Kabayel, from Bochum, becomes the first German heavyweight champion since Max Schmeling in 1932. The 34-year-old, who previously held the WBC interim title and defended it in January 2026 against Poland's Damian Knyba, had been actively calling for a fight with Usyk. However, the 39-year-old Usyk decided to step away from the heavyweight division, having earlier surrendered the WBO title in November 2025. Kabayel expressed immense pride, citing his Kurdish roots and fulfilling a lifelong dream. The WBC had ordered the fight in February, but Usyk's withdrawal paved the way for Kabayel's promotion. The article notes that professional boxing has multiple competing world associations.
Nachrichten - WELTOleksandr Usyk vacates heavyweight world titles to decide final chapter himself
Oleksandr Usyk has relinquished his WBC, WBA, and IBF heavyweight world championship belts to take control of the final chapter of his career. The undefeated Ukrainian boxer, who has twice been undisputed champion at both cruiserweight and heavyweight, faced multiple mandatory challengers to retain the titles. Sergey Lapin, CEO of Usyk's promotional company Ready To Fight, stated that Usyk wanted to decide his own retirement path rather than be forced by mandatory defenses. Usyk has beaten the modern heavyweight elite, including two wins each over Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua, and Daniel Dubois. His last fight was a late-stoppage victory over kickboxer Rico Verhoeven. Lapin emphasized that Usyk has secured his place in boxing history and earned the right to decide when and how to end his career.
SkySports | NewsBoxing World Champion Oleksandr Usyk Vacates All Heavyweight Titles
Undefeated world heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk (39) announced on June 26, 2026, that he is vacating all his titles — WBA, IBF, and WBC — with immediate effect. In a social media video, the Ukrainian (25-0 record) stated he wants rankings contenders to fight for the belts but is not retiring, planning one final fight in the United States. This cancellation impacts the scheduled bout against challenger Agit Kabayel (33), who could now become the first German heavyweight world champion since Max Schmeling. Kabayel responded respectfully, calling Usyk a legend. Usyk's last fight was a controversial technical knockout win over kickboxer Rico Verhoeven near the Pyramids of Giza in May 2026. Verhoeven is now demanding a rematch. Usyk's manager, Sergey Lapin, confirmed the fighter's goal to end his career with a US bout.
BILD - SportOleksandr Usyk Vacates World Heavyweight Titles but Hints at Return for 'Last Dance'
Oleksandr Usyk has vacated his WBC, WBA, IBF, and Ring Magazine world heavyweight titles, the Ukrainian boxer announced on June 26, 2026. However, Usyk confirmed that he has not retired from boxing and indicated that his 'last dance' in the ring is still to come. The announcement ends his reign as unified heavyweight champion but leaves the door open for a future return. The story is developing, with Sky Sports promising further updates. Usyk's decision reshapes the heavyweight division, vacating the belts he held after defeating Daniel Dubois in 2025.
SkySports | NewsUsyk Refuses to Fight Kabayel, Likely to Be Stripped of WBC Title
Oleksandr Usyk has refused to fight mandatory challenger Agit Kabayel, causing their planned heavyweight world championship bout to fall through. According to BILD's exclusive reporting, Usyk and his team have shown no serious intent to negotiate despite the WBC formally ordering the fight. Kabayel's manager Lasse Krüger confirmed Usyk appears uninterested. WBC President Mauricio Sulaimán stated the fight is mandatory for Usyk. As a result, Usyk may be stripped of his WBC title, potentially making interim champion Agit Kabayel the first German heavyweight world champion since Max Schmeling in 1932. Alternatively, the WBC could order Kabayel to face another challenger. Usyk is also reportedly in talks with Zuffa Boxing (owned by UFC's Dana White) or may retire from boxing.
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