Agit Kabayel is tired of the long wait for Oleksandr Usyk. Tonight, the WBC mandatory challenger wants to tell his fans via social media what happens next.
Agit Kabayel no longer wants to be stuck in the seemingly endless queue for a world title fight against Oleksandr Usyk. That’s why the WBC interim world champion has posted a video in which he shares the following with his community.
“Back then, I asked him for a photo. Today, I’m the next person to compete against him,” says Kabayel, holding a photo of the two of them in his hands. “I’ve always looked for the biggest challenges, because that’s what makes you grow the most. So Usyk, let’s fill a stadium in Germany and give the people the biggest fight in heavyweight boxing right now.”
“It’s time to push the horses”
“And if you don’t want to: I’ve been waiting in line for 1 year and 3 months. Please respect the next generation, give up the belt and give me the chance to earn what I deserve.”
Then the “Leberking” from Bochum says emphatically: “I think it’s time to push the horses”. And ends the spot with an announcement that there will be news today (Monday) at 6.00 pm.
You can see the video of Agit here.
Kabayel’s video message “I think it’s time to push the horses” is an allusion to the saying “Don’t push the horses” by Oleksandr Usyk. This means: Don’t rush, just don’t rush. The Ukrainian used this phrase at the final press conference on July 18 last year before his world championship fight against Daniel Dubois.
The phrase “Don’t push the horses” was uttered as a battle of words between Usyk’s manager Egis Klimas and Dubois’ promoter Frank Warren came to a head. Interjections from the audience made the situation confusing until Usyk intervened in a calm voice.
Two-week deadline for Usyk
“The clock is ticking!” wrote Agit Kabayel on his SoMe channels yesterday. “Usyk has only 2 weeks from now for our official negotiations.” What Kabayel will announce tonight remains to be seen.
There are really only two options for Usyk . Either the WBC world champion signs a contract for a world championship fight against the German and faces him next. Or Usyk resigns the WBC title – then the path would be clear for Kabayel, who would have to be upgraded to full champion by the association. Or the “Leberking” could completely renounce his mandatory status with the WBC and a fight against Usyk. In that case, however, his path to a world championship fight with one of the other world federations would be a long one. Kabayel is currently not ranked in the top 15 by the WBO, IBF or WBA.
Text: Frank Schwantes