Frank Warren Blasts Oleksandr Usyk for Ducking Heavyweight Contenders

London, England, UK - Promoter Frank Warren has sharply criticized Oleksandr Usyk for bypassing leading heavyweight contenders in place of a novelty bout against a kickboxer, warning that such matchmaking risks damaging the integrity of the sport.

Speaking in recent interviews ahead of Queensbury’s upcoming run of major fight cards, Warren made it clear he believes the unified champion should instead be facing the division’s top contenders.

According to Warren, the most deserving challenger at the moment is Agit Kabayel, who has patiently worked his way into the mandatory position for the WBC heavyweight title.

“He should have fought Agit Kabayel. That’s what he should have done,” Warren said when asked about Usyk’s upcoming crossover fight. “He has an obligation to defend his belt.”

Mandatory Challengers Being Frozen Out

Warren argues the situation highlights a growing problem in boxing: legitimate contenders waiting indefinitely while champions pursue lucrative novelty fights.

Kabayel, currently positioned as the WBC’s top challenger, has remained active while awaiting his title opportunity.

“Agit has been sitting in the wings and deserves his shot,” Warren said.

Under the WBC’s rules, Usyk must defend his title against the mandatory challenger or vacate the belt. Warren says Queensbury will press the governing body to enforce that requirement.

“If he doesn’t do it, he has to vacate the title or he’ll be stripped,” Warren explained.

The veteran promoter made clear that his concern is not personal toward Usyk — a fighter he respects — but rather about maintaining the sport’s competitive structure.

“I love watching him fight,” Warren said. “But the titles have obligations.”

Novelty Fights Under Fire

Usyk’s scheduled bout against a kickboxer has sparked debate across the boxing world, with critics arguing that crossover fights — while lucrative — risk undermining the legitimacy of championship boxing.

Warren was blunt about his feelings.

“I don’t like all that stuff,” he said.

The issue, Warren believes, is that serious contenders in the heavyweight division are currently being left on hold while novelty events take center stage.

For a division that has recently regained momentum, that could prove damaging.

Queensbury Pushing “Best vs Best”

While criticizing the Usyk matchup, Warren also pointed to Queensbury Promotions’ upcoming schedule as an example of how the sport should operate.

Over the coming months, his promotional company will stage several major heavyweight contests, including:

• Fabio Wardley vs Daniel Dubois
• Tony Yoka vs Lawrence Okolie
• Derek Chisora vs Deontay Wilder
• Moses Itauma’s next heavyweight appearance

“These are the fights fans want to see,” Warren said.

“Number one fighting number two. The best fighting the best.”

He added that the response from fans has already validated the approach.

“The two best words you can hear in boxing are ‘sold out.’ And that’s what we’re delivering.”

Pressure Building on the Champion

For now, the heavyweight division waits.

If Usyk proceeds with the crossover bout, Warren says the next step will be clear: the WBC must enforce its mandatory rules.

That would force a decision.

Either Usyk faces Kabayel — or the title becomes vacant and the division moves forward without him.

For Warren, the stakes are bigger than any one fight.

It is about protecting the competitive order that makes championship boxing meaningful in the first place.

“Champions can’t just hold belts and not defend them,” he said.

“They have obligations.”