(February 12th) Word is out that Bochum, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany’s 33-year-old, professional kickboxer, Agit Kabayel, 27–0, 19Ko’s claiming the interim title by stopping 6’6” Chinaman, Zhilei Zhang in the sixth round last year, coming off the successful first defense of his WBC Interim World Heavyweight Title, a third-round TKO of previously unbeaten Pole, Damian Knyba, January 1st is looking to stay busy waiting for his mandatory shot against Undisputed Heavyweight Champion, Oleksandr Usyk with a fight in Germany around May.

WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman has ordered undisputed champion Oleksandr Usyk (holding WBC, WBA, IBF titles after vacating WBO) to face Kabayel after one voluntary defense, or risk being stripped of the WBC belt.

Usyk hasn't fought since last July when he stopped Daniel Dubois in five rounds, and has been nursing a back injury since. He was looking for a voluntary defense against Deontay Wilder, but the American chose a London showdown with Derek Chisora instead, marking both fighters' 50th professional bouts.

Kabayel, promoted by Frank Warren's Queensberry Promotions, will choose his next fight carefully—one where he can test himself without unnecessary risks, as he will not wish to jeopardize his mandatory position.

WBC Top 15

1. Lawrence Okolie

2. Daniel Dubois

3. Anthony Joshua

4. Moses Itauma

5. Filip Hrgovic

6. Efe Ajagba

7. Martin Bakole

8. Richard Torrez

9. Frank Sanchez

10. Zhilei Zhang

11. Bakhodir Jalolov

12. Guido Vianello

13. Deontay Wilder

14. Derek Chisora

15. Jared Anderson

As the WBC Ratings sit with Lawrence Okolie at WBC #1, he would make sense but a less risky option could be WBC #5 Filip Hrgovic. Another possibility is the winner of Zuffa Boxing 3's Efe Ajagba vs Martin Bakole that takes place this Sunday, February 15th.

Queensberry Promotions, time and time again, delivers a debut to a champion journey for richly talented young fighters and provides an unrivalled platform for them to showcase their ability to the widest possible audience via a major broadcast collaboration and an exceptional digital portfolio.

Fight promotions are regularly staged, servicing the requirements of novice prospects, contenders, title challengers and champions. Boxers are given every opportunity to build a following and maximize their potential.

The wall facing the entrance to the Queensberry headquarters bears the words ‘This is where the magic happens’ because, for decades, it has been the location where the biggest fights have been hatched and matched, where the biggest shows have been plotted and where the best fighters arrive to sign promotional terms for Frank Warren to guide their careers.

It is always about the fighters - with the key being development - but also about the sport, the business of boxing and conjuring up magical nights for the fans and making the fights they want to see.

The experience of Queensberry and the tried and trusted model for creating champions is unparalleled in the sport of boxing. The expertise of International Hall of Fame Promoter Frank Warren has been employed for some 45 years in the professional ranks building some of the biggest stars and navigating them to world champion status.

Frank specializes in taking young fighters right from debut and implementing his knowhow to pick the right fights at the right time and therefore ensuring the boxer is given every opportunity to maximize his or her potential.

Queensberry is currently in the position of being the world’s premier promotional organization, having spent many years building talent and putting in the foundations to ensure prolonged success. The company currently boasts a number of world champions, multiple world title contenders, numerous title-holders and the finest crop of young future stars anywhere in the world.

Queensberry fighters have been given the opportunity to shine on the major global stage both at home and abroad, under the Queensberry banner.

About Frank Warren

In an era spanning over 35 years, Hall of Fame boxing Promoter and Manager Frank Warren has worked with some of the biggest fighters in boxing history. Hamed, Bruno, Tyson, Calzaghe, Benn, Collins, Eubank, Khan and Hatton are some of the iconic names he has promoted during his career.