Derek Chisora has described the WBC-ordered clash between Oleksandr Usyk and Agit Kabayel as an “easy fight”, believing that one man would win inside eight or 10 rounds.
Kabayel has reigned as WBC ‘interim’ champion since February 2025, back when he climbed off the canvas to stop Zhilei Zhang with a destructive sixth-round body onslaught.
Prior to that, the German contender had halted Frank Sanchez and Arslanbek Makhmudov in similar fashion, while his last outing resulted in a third-round finish over Damian Knyba in January.
As a result, Kabayel has placed himself in the leading position to challenge Usyk, with the WBC having now ordered their heavyweight contest for the full world title.
His victory came in somewhat controversial fashion, however, as referee Mark Lyson waved Verhoeven off at the sound of the bell, shortly after the former kickboxer had risen from a heavy knockdown.
Many believe the Dutchman, given his success in the previous rounds, should have at least been given the opportunity to enter the final frame.
With Usyk emerging triumphant, though, it now seems that Kabayel is his most likely option, rather than an immediate rematch with Verhoeven.
Speaking with Daily Mail Boxing, heavyweight veteran Chisora suggested that Kabayel also represents the path of least resistance for the 39-year-old, even despite the unified champion not looking his best against Verhoeven.
“I believe Usyk should take the fight with Kabayel, because it’s an easy fight. Kabayel’s not as fit as he thinks he is – I think Usyk wins that fight in less than eight or 10 [rounds].
“[Kabayel] ain’t the bogeyman. He’s knocked out a couple of people with body shots – great – but when you’re fighting an elite fighter, it’s totally different.
“They’ll sell it in Germany, but it’s not like the whole world is going to stand still and watch that fight.”
Indeed, Kabayel drew a notable crowd in Germany, where he remained unbeaten against Knyba, while a wider audience is perhaps less familiar with the 33-year-old. He now awaits a decision from Team Usyk, and will be upgraded to full champion if the order is not followed.