Usyk Backs Kabayel Over Dubois — Then Names the Man Who Beats Them Both

Oleksandr Usyk has walked away from three heavyweight world titles rather than defend them, and in doing so he handed Agit Kabayel a promotion to full WBC champion. Now the 39-year-old Ukrainian — the man who stopped Daniel Dubois not once but twice — has laid out exactly how he sees a Kabayel-Dubois unification playing out, and it isn't good news for the Brit.

Speaking on the DAZN broadcast of Anthony Joshua's win over Kristian Prenga, Usyk said he'd take Kabayel to beat 'Triple D' if the two champions ever share a ring. That's a bold read on a Dubois (23-3, 22 KO) who has rebuilt himself into a two-time titlist, most recently grinding down Fabio Wardley by 11th-round stoppage to bank the WBO strap. Usyk isn't convinced it'd be enough.

Why Usyk Vacated

The vacancy that made Kabayel a full champion wasn't accidental. Usyk was the WBC mandatory throughout 2026, but he reportedly came away from Kabayel's showing against Rico Verhoeven thinking the German posed a genuine, consequential threat. Rather than risk his unbeaten ledger against a live opponent for a belt he'd already conquered, Usyk relinquished all three titles. Kabayel, now 27-0 with 19 knockouts, cashed in without throwing a punch.

It's a rare thing to see a fighter of Usyk's stature step aside from a fight he might well win. But the logic tracks: he's beaten everyone put in front of him, and the reward for facing Kabayel was more danger than upside.

The 21-Year-Old Wild Card

Here's where it gets spicy. Usyk didn't stop at picking Kabayel over Dubois — he went further and named Moses Itauma as the man who'd hand Kabayel his first professional loss. Usyk called the 21-year-old the best heavyweight on the planet, full stop. That's a big claim about a fighter who has yet to see the far side of round six, and Usyk knows it.

It's a fascinating endorsement from a man who's spent his career dismantling everyone the division threw at him. Kabayel holds the WBC, Dubois the WBO, and both are established champions with knockout power. Usyk just watched the whole picture and pointed at the kid. Whether Itauma gets tested past six rounds before any of these fights materialize is the real question — but the smartest heavyweight of his era has made his bet.