Boxing
Itauma, Hrgovic, Verhoeven: Who could Kabayel face in first WBC defence?
Agit Kabayel found himself at the conclusion of a remarkable journey on Saturday as he was elevated to world champion status.
The German heavyweight was promoted from the WBC interim strap to the full crown after Oleksandr Usyk vacated the strap.
It marks the culmination of a quest by the star to reach the summit - one he had hoped would see him face the Ukrainian next.
But with Usyk electing to surrender his belts rather than face a mandatory challenge, Kabayel must now shop for a first defence.
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With no shortage of contenders both old and young amid something of a sea change near the summit, he is not spoiled for choice.
Here, DAZN News looks at some of the top contenders who could provide an early litmus test for Kabayel as heavyweight kingpin.
Moses Itauma
The obvious name that will be bandied about, the British phenomenon is currently ranked third by the WBC and hungry for a shot.
With Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua tied up with each other, and questions over Lawrence Okolie, Itauma is a slam-dunk option.
Yet the star has Filip Hrgovic to face before the end of August, and Kabayel may wish for a first defence against a lower-risk rival.
Filip Hrgovic
Akin to Itauma, the Croatian's hopes of a title shot rest on securing victory when the pair of them meet at London's The O2 Arena.
But should he prevail, Hrgovic may shoot straight to the top of the pile when it comes to a Kabayel pick, offering commercial heft.
Queensberry/Leigh Dawney
If the plan is to engineer a blockbuster homecoming, the Rio 2016 star brings his own continental fanbase to boost matters too.
Frank Sanchez
Might Kabayel seek immediate unification opportunities? If so, then a bout with this durable contender seems the perfect chance.
Having stopped Richard Torrez Jr. to earn himself a first shot at the IBF crown in May, Sanchez will now fight for the vacant title.
Again, Itauma has been namechecked as a likely foe. But could 'The Cuban Flash' prove well-placed for the German to pursue?
Rico Verhoeven
Usyk's decision to vacate the straps suggests a plan to secure a rematch with the Dutch kickboxer or pursue Deontay Wilder next.
Mark Robinson / Matchroom Boxing
If it proves to be the latter option, Verhoeven is still ranked a tidy eighth now with the WBC and eligible to be picked for a title shot.
Could the increased commercial quality of the star prove tempting for Kabayel and his backers? This is a wild card still in the picture.
Efe Ajagba
Ranked ninth with the WBC, the Nigerian has just one loss on his record - against Sanchez - and has built a steady record since.
His draw with continental rival Martin Bakole was something of a win given the latter's favourite status, and he is keen to move up.
Ajagba is not the most star-driven name in the pack. But if Kabayel would prefer a low-wattage start, then he may prove an option.
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