WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman says Agit Kabayel of Germany (pictured) will be the next opponent for world heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk. Saulaiman made his prediction at the WBC press event in Mexico when David Benavidez was presented with a special commemorative belt for defeating Gilberto ”Zurdo” Ramirez to capture two cruiserweight titles. Turning to the heavyweight scene, Sulaiman said, ”Agit is the WBC interim champion and mandatory contender for Oleksandr Usyk. He has earned his stripes. He took part in that heavyweight extravaganza three years ago in Saudi Arabia, and  defeated everyone, including Frank Sanchez, who himself has just had an incredible victory. The fight between Agit and Oleksandr has to happen this year. We will order it and then we will see. Agit has a great ability to punch to the body. He`s not as tall as most heavyweights, but he has a huge heart.”

 

As for the controversial stoppage that ended Usyk's shaky over Rico Verhoeven this weekend, Sulaiman said it was a sensational fight betweena champion boxer and a champion kickboxer. ”Usyk won and I applaud the referee. I`m very proud of Mark Lyson, because the responsibility of the referee is to protect the integrity and well being of the fighters. He does not care about the clang of the bell. He`s seeing the eyes of the affected fighter and how hurt that fighter is. One punch too early, rather than one punch too late.”