Recently, the World Boxing Council officially allowed the Ukrainian to have one voluntary defense, but immediately after that ordered him to meet with the mandatory contender — WBC Intercontinental Champion Agit Kabayel. In case of refusal to fight, Usyk risks losing the WBC belt.
Chisora, well acquainted with the realities of the top level heavyweight scene, expressed the opinion that Usyk can perfectly avoid this mandatory fight in a proven way — through financial compensation.
In an interview with the YouTube channel iFL TV, Chisora stated: "Did the WBC appoint a fight between Usyk and Kabayel? I don't know, we'll see. Usyk is now inclined to fight a kickboxer (referring to a possible fight with Rico Verhoeven mentioned by Turki Al-Sheikh). But there is a simple way: call the WBC, pay a small fee — and you can calmly defend the WBC title already next year".
According to Chisora, such practice has long existed in professional boxing and allows top champions to defer less commercially attractive mandatory contenders while retaining the belt and the opportunity to participate in more high-profile and profitable fights.
It should be added that the name of Usyk's next opponent has not been announced yet.