Derek Chisora makes KO prediction for Usyk vs Agit Kabayel after Verhoeven efficiency | Boxing Information
Derek Chisora has described the WBC-ordered conflict between Oleksandr Usyk and Agit Kabayel as an “simple struggle”, believing that one man would win inside eight or 10 rounds. Kabayel has reigned...
Derek Chisora has described the WBC-ordered conflict between Oleksandr Usyk and Agit Kabayel as an “simple struggle”, believing that one man would win inside eight or 10 rounds.
Kabayel has reigned as WBC ‘interim’ champion since February 2025, again when he climbed off the canvas to cease Zhilei Zhang with a damaging sixth-round physique onslaught.
Previous to that, the German contender had halted Frank Sanchez and Arslanbek Makhmudov in comparable vogue, whereas his final outing resulted in a third-round end over Damian Knyba in January.
In consequence, Kabayel has positioned himself within the main place to problem Usyk, with the WBC having now ordered their heavyweight contest for the total world title.
His victory got here in considerably controversial vogue, nonetheless, as referee Mark Lyson waved Verhoeven off on the sound of the bell, shortly after the previous kickboxer had risen from a heavy knockdown.
Many consider the Dutchman, given his success within the earlier rounds, ought to have at the least been given the chance to enter the ultimate body.
With Usyk rising triumphant, although, it now appears that Kabayel is his most probably possibility, reasonably than an instantaneous rematch with Verhoeven.
Talking with Daily Mail Boxing, heavyweight veteran Chisora urged that Kabayel additionally represents the trail of least resistance for the 39-year-old, even regardless of the unified champion not wanting his greatest towards Verhoeven.
“I consider Usyk ought to take the struggle with Kabayel, as a result of it’s a straightforward struggle. Kabayel’s not as match as he thinks he’s – I feel Usyk wins that struggle in lower than eight or 10 [rounds].
“[Kabayel] ain’t the bogeyman. He’s knocked out a few individuals with physique pictures – nice – however if you’re preventing an elite fighter, it’s completely totally different.
“They’ll promote it in Germany, but it surely’s not like the entire world goes to face nonetheless and watch that struggle.”
Certainly, Kabayel drew a notable crowd in Germany, the place he remained unbeaten towards Knyba, whereas a wider viewers is maybe much less conversant in the 33-year-old. He now awaits a choice from Workforce Usyk, and will likely be upgraded to full champion if the order isn’t adopted.
