Oleksandr Usyk has given a fresh update on a potential clash against Agit Kabayel.
Usyk returns to action in May when he defends his WBC heavyweight title in a controversial match-up with kickboxing star Rico Verhoeven at the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt.
Speaking recently, the Ukrainian revealed that after that bout, he intended to face the winner of the WBO heavyweight title battle between Fabio Wardley and Daniel Dubois, before then targeting a trilogy fight with former rival Tyson Fury.
One notable omission from his plans was a showdown with unbeaten WBC mandatory challenger Agit Kabayel, but Usyk has now once again opened the door for a possible fight with Kabayel.
Speaking to the Daily Mail, Usyk said he could potentially face Kabayel instead of taking on Fury again.
“Maybe I will fight Kabayel – maybe I don’t face Tyson Fury for a third time and I fight Kabayel instead.
“I only say my plan but that is not set in stone. I understand the Agit fans are saying you must fight him, you must fight him. But I don’t have to fight him.
“I must live my life, I must look after my team, my children. As for fighting, I just work hard and my opponents work hard.
“Look, maybe it’s possible I fight Agit. All I can say is he’s a great fighter and he’s very smart.”
While he ponders whether to face Kabayel or Fury, it seems Usyk is indeed set on facing whoever comes out on top between Wardley and Dubois, which could give the 39-year-old the chance to become a three-time undisputed heavyweight champion.
