Oleksandr Usyk might be the only obstacle preventing Moses Itauma from securing the fastest route to a WBC heavyweight title opportunity. The unbeaten British contender could find himself a step away from championship contention this summer. However, that is possibly only if the division’s current ruler decides against facing the mandatory challenger next.

Usyk holds the WBA (Super), WBC, and IBF heavyweight titles with an undefeated record of 24-0 with 15 knockouts. The Ukrainian champion is ranked number one pound-for-pound by both The Ring and ESPN.

WBC Interim Title Picture

Agit Kabayel currently holds the WBC interim heavyweight championship. A potential matchup between Kabayel and Itauma for the interim title could take place in Germany if Usyk opts to face a different opponent for his next defense.

Moses Itauma recently broke into ESPN’s top five heavyweight rankings after his knockout victory over Jermaine Franklin Jr. The rising contender has positioned himself as a legitimate threat in the division.

Title Path Depends on Usyk

According to World Boxing News, Usyk’s decision on his mandatory challenger will determine whether the Kabayel-Itauma fight moves forward. If Usyk chooses to face Kabayel next, the interim champion would be elevated to full challenger status, removing the opportunity for Itauma to compete for the interim belt.

The WBC heavyweight division remains in flux as Usyk weighs his options for his next title defense. Any announcement from the undisputed champion’s camp could reshape the immediate future for both Kabayel and Itauma.