Oleksandr Usyk and Agit Kabayel are running out of time to settle their heavyweight standoff on their own terms. The WBC has set a June 30 deadline for the two camps to reach an independent fight agreement, and a failure to do so hands the decision back to the sanctioning body, with real consequences for Usyk’s title and Kabayel’s standing in the division.
If the sides cannot agree before the clock runs out, the WBC will intervene and dictate the next step. That scenario could push Usyk toward vacating, which would crack the heavyweight picture wide open, as detailed in our look at how Deontay Wilder could land another heavyweight title shot.
Where The Negotiations Stand
Usyk is a recognized heavyweight world champion, listed as the WBA, WBC, and IBF titleholder, with a record of 25-0 (16 KOs). He became undisputed champion by defeating Tyson Fury via split decision in May 2024.
Kabayel sits as the WBC interim heavyweight champion at 27-0 (19 KOs), the man next in line for a shot at the full belt. The deadline is designed to force the camps to finalize terms independently rather than dragging the process out further.
The terms of the deadline were laid out by WBC (wbcboxing.com), which has positioned Kabayel as Usyk’s intended next opponent.
What Happens If The Deadline Passes
Should the camps miss June 30 without a signed agreement, the WBC holds the next move. That could mean an ordered purse bid, a fresh ruling on Kabayel’s status, or pressure that nudges Usyk to step aside from the WBC strap entirely.
Any vacancy at the top of the heavyweight ranks reshapes the title chase for every contender circling the division. For now, the pressure rests squarely on both teams to get a deal done before the WBC does it for them.