As the film industry gears up for the release of Jason Statham’s latest project, ‘Viva La Madness’, the boxing world is embroiled in its own drama. The film, produced by Punch Palace Productions, Lumina Studios, Toff Guy Films, and Black Bear, has been in production since January 2023 and is set to be distributed by Black Bear/Amazon MGM.
Meanwhile, tensions are rising in the boxing arena. Frank Warren, a prominent promoter, has threatened to sue the WBC if they do not order Oleksandr Usyk to face Agit Kabayel. This follows Kabayel’s victory over Zhilei Zhang in February 2025, where he won the vacant interim title after a six-round bout.
Usyk is currently scheduled to fight Rico Verhoeven on May 23 in Egypt, a match that has significant implications for the heavyweight division. Warren has been vocal about Kabayel’s position, stating, “Kabayel’s number one in the WBC, and the fight goes on in Egypt between Usyk and Rico Verhoeven, and afterwards the WBC will have to order the mandatory, and if they don’t, we will sue them.”
This situation is particularly critical as Usyk has indicated that he has only two fights left after the Verhoeven bout, neither of which includes Kabayel. This raises questions about the future of the heavyweight title and the opportunities available for fighters like Kabayel.
Warren’s insistence that Kabayel deserves his shot is clear: “I’m telling you, I’m not going to p— around with this, Agit [Kabayel] deserves his opportunity, he should be in there, and if anyone tries to duck that fight, then he’ll have to vacate, it’s as simple as that. Fight Agit or vacate.” Such statements underline the urgency and seriousness of the situation.
As for Statham, his involvement in ‘Viva La Madness’ comes at a time when the intersection of film and sports drama is particularly poignant. The narrative surrounding Usyk and Kabayel could serve as a backdrop for the film’s themes, potentially drawing parallels between the struggles in the ring and those faced by characters in the movie.
With the boxing world watching closely, the outcomes of the upcoming fights will not only affect the careers of the athletes involved but also the narrative landscape that Statham’s film seeks to explore. The stakes are high, and the intertwining of these events could lead to a compelling story both in and out of the ring.
As the boxing community awaits the results of Usyk’s fight, the anticipation for Statham’s film continues to build, promising an intriguing blend of action and drama. The coming weeks will be pivotal for both the film and the fighters, as their paths converge in unexpected ways.
