According to the WBC, Usyk has the opportunity to make one voluntary defense of his title before the fight with Kabayel. Earlier, media reports mentioned that a possible opponent for the Ukrainian could be Deontay Wilder, but he agreed to fight Derek Chisora. The possibility of a meeting between Usyk and Tyson Fury is also being discussed, as Fury is currently preparing for a fight with Arslanbek Makhmudov.
Aleksandr Usyk last fought in July 2025 against Daniel Dubois in London, where he won by knockout in the fifth round and reclaimed the title of undisputed world champion in the heavyweight division. Usyk made his professional ring debut in November 2013, facing Mexican Felipe Romero, and also won that fight by technical knockout in the fifth round.
