33-year-old Agit Kabaiel had been waiting for a mandatory fight with Usyk for over a year. The WBC issued an order and set a deadline of June 30 for the sides to reach an agreement, otherwise the right to host the bout would go to auction. But on Friday, Usyk personally announced his relinquishment of all titles — WBC, WBA, and IBF — and the federation elevated Kabaiel to full champion status the very next day.
Why Usyk Stepped Down
According to Sergiy Lapin, the sports director of Usyk's team, the decision was made for two reasons: to clear the heavyweight division for new contenders — notably Anthony Joshua — and to conduct his final bouts in the United States without restrictions from the federations. Usyk retained only the Ring Magazine title. According to ESPN, his upcoming "final dance" may indeed take place in America.
Records Behind the 27-0 Mark
Kabaiel is the first Kurdish heavyweight world champion in history and the first German champion in nearly 100 years. He won the interim WBC belt in February 2025, stopping Chinese fighter Zhilei Zhang in the sixth round with a body shot. Then came a knockout of Damian Kniba in the third round. Record: 27 victories, 0 defeats, 19 knockouts.
Incredible. From today I am WBC heavyweight world champion. The first Kurdish heavyweight world champion in history and the first German world champion in almost 100 years. Words cannot describe what I'm feeling right now.
— Agit Kabaiel, Instagram
Notably, in the same post Kabaiel thanked Usyk — without any reproach for the lengthy wait: "A true champion is defined by his actions both inside and outside the ring," he wrote. The contrast with a year of waiting and public pressure is striking.
What's Next
According to Bad Left Hook, even before Usyk's relinquishment, Tyson Fury had named Kabaiel as a potential opponent precisely in the event he became a full champion. Now that condition is satisfied. The WBA, meanwhile, will defend its regular title on July 11 — Murat Gassiev versus Tony Yoka, while the IBF belt goes to an open tournament.
Kabaiel is a champion without a single loss and without a knockdown in his career. But a title obtained through an opponent's relinquishment rather than through victory over him will always raise a question: if Usyk plays Kabaiel for the belt in his "final dance" — will that provide the proof that is missing?
