“We’re waiting for you,” Tyson said in a clip on Instagram, addressing Usyk while referring to Kabayel’s long-awaited title opportunity.

The message arrives as questions continue to surround Usyk’s next move following his controversial 11th-round stoppage victory over Rico Verhoeven last month. The Ukrainian retained his WBC, WBA, and IBF heavyweight titles in a fight that sparked debate after referee Mark Lyson halted the contest shortly after Verhoeven had beaten the count from a knockdown.

While some fans have called for an immediate rematch with Verhoeven, the WBC has already ordered Usyk to defend his title against Kabayel.

The unbeaten German has been waiting for his shot since earning interim champion status. Kabayel secured that position by stopping Zhilei Zhang with a sustained body attack in the sixth round of their February 2025 bout, strengthening his case as one of the heavyweight division’s most deserving contenders.

At 33, Kabayel has repeatedly stated his desire to challenge for a world title after climbing the rankings through victories over highly regarded opposition. Tyson’s endorsement now adds another prominent name to those advocating for the mandatory challenger to finally receive his opportunity.

Usyk has not publicly confirmed his next opponent. However, with the WBC order in place and Kabayel continuing to press his claim, pressure is mounting on the unified champion to provide clarity about the future of the heavyweight division.

For Kabayel, the message remains simple.

“We’re waiting for you.”