The WBC has suggested a path for Tyson Fury to return to high-level boxing if he decides to come out of retirement.
Fury, a former WBC heavyweight champion, could be approved to compete against Agit Kabayel for the WBC interim title should he choose to resume his boxing career.
This week, Fury, 36, posted a video on social media from Manchester United’s Old Trafford, mentioning 2025 with the message, “Did you miss me?” While it could be interpreted as a hint towards a boxing comeback, it might also relate to his participation in SoccerAid.
Kabayel secured the interim belt by defeating Zhilei Zhang, recovering from a knockdown to stop Zhang with a body shot within six rounds.
Germany’s Kabayel is a strong contender to become the mandatory challenger for the full WBC world title, currently held by unified champion Oleksandr Usyk.
However, this mandatory challenge is unlikely to be enforced in the immediate future.
WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman stated, “We have been very accommodating to the concept of undisputed championships. We worked hard to achieve undisputed status in the heavyweight division and did not impose a mandatory defense on Fury to allow his fight with Usyk. We made it clear that the winner would have a rematch without any mandatory obligations.”
He added, “The winner of Zhang versus Kabayel is of a very high standard. We are supportive of the undisputed title again because witnessing Usyk lose a belt was disheartening. They might have a rematch for undisputed status with [Daniel] Dubois. We will wait and see. We are not going to force anything.”
Sulaiman believes that holding the interim heavyweight title could lead Kabayel to significant fights against opponents like Anthony Joshua, Deontay Wilder, or even Fury if he decides to return from retirement.
“We will support an undisputed heavyweight title fight and assess the situation to determine the best course of action,” Sulaiman said.
“[Kabayel] holds the WBC interim championship, which [he] can defend. There are many potential major fights available, such as Joshua, Wilder, or potentially Fury.
“[Joshua] is highly ranked within the WBC, a legendary champion, and we will naturally support him.
“We are fully committed to ensuring that the most significant fights can take place.”
Fury suffered two close defeats to Usyk in high-profile heavyweight matches last year. He then announced his surprise retirement from boxing in January.
Despite Fury not publicly indicating a change of heart regarding his retirement, the WBC would support him, as a former world champion with the organization, in a fight for the interim title.
Sulaiman mentioned, “He retired, as you may recall, and the WBC supported his fight with Wilder the first time, which was an incredible fight ending in a draw, leading to two more great matches with Wilder, and then to what we have seen in recent years. It’s a dream come true for boxing.”
“I spoke with him. He informed me of his retirement, and I congratulated him. He has a beautiful family and is very wealthy. However, boxers have a unique drive. It is very challenging to step away, but I am happy he is retired.”
“If he changes his mind and wants to try again, I am confident his medicals will be fine, and the option remains open.”
