Usyk Weighs Kabayel Fight, Putting Tyson Fury Trilogy in Doubt

Overview

• Usyk, in comments published Tuesday by the Daily Mail, said he might face WBC interim titleholder Agit Kabayel instead of pursuing a third fight with Tyson Fury.
• He is still slated to defend only his WBC belt in May against kickboxing star Rico Verhoeven.
• Kabayel is the WBC’s mandatory challenger and his team has pushed for the shot, with promoter Frank Warren warning Usyk could have to vacate or be stripped if he does not comply.
• Usyk said his plan is not set in stone and he cited family and team responsibilities as he weighs options, while praising Kabayel as a strong and smart opponent.
• He had mapped out Verhoeven first, then the Fabio Wardley vs. Daniel Dubois winner before a Fury trilogy, yet this shift now clouds the next big matchup as Fury keeps calling for a third meeting.