In a thrilling display of power and precision, Agit Kabayel silenced his critics and retained his WBC interim heavyweight title, but here’s where it gets controversial—he’s now boldly calling out Oleksandr Usyk for a showdown that could redefine the heavyweight division.
In a bout that showcased his resilience and skill, Agit Kabayel stopped Damian Knyba in the third round, solidifying his position as a force to be reckoned with in the heavyweight scene. This victory marked Kabayel’s return to the ring since his February 2025 triumph over Zhilei Zhang, and it was his first title defense on home soil in Germany. The fight began with Knyba, the Polish challenger, coming out strong in the opening round, but Kabayel weathered the storm and took control in Oberhausen. The decisive moment came in the final minute of the third round when Kabayel unleashed a barrage of right-hand punches, forcing the referee to step in and halt the contest.
And this is the part most people miss—Kabayel isn’t just celebrating a win; he’s making a bold statement about his place in the division. In a post-fight interview, Kabayel turned to the roaring crowd at the Rudolf Weber-Arena and asked who they wanted him to face next. The answer was clear: chants of “Usyk” echoed through the arena, signaling the fans’ desire for a blockbuster matchup. Kabayel, unfazed by the challenge, doubled down on his ambition, telling DAZN, “I’ve waited so long for this title shot. Last time, I beat three monsters in the Riyadh Season. Give me the world title fight. I’m ready. Really, I’m ready. Let’s go.”
This isn’t just talk—Kabayel has been vocal about his desire to face Oleksandr Usyk, the unified world heavyweight champion. In a November interview with Sky Sports, Kabayel declared himself the best opponent for Usyk, though he acknowledged that the Ukrainian champion might not choose him for his next defense. However, Kabayel highlighted the massive market potential in Germany, suggesting that a stadium-sized event could be on the horizon. “When Usyk’s team understands this,” he said, “maybe he’ll say, ‘Let’s go, Kabayel, I’ll fight with you.’”
But here’s the controversial question: Is Kabayel truly ready for Usyk, or is he biting off more than he can chew? While Kabayel’s confidence is undeniable, Usyk’s skill set and dominance in the division make this a high-risk, high-reward proposition. Would a fight between these two be a passing of the torch or a humbling reality check for Kabayel? Weigh in below—do you think Kabayel stands a chance against Usyk, or is this a mismatch waiting to happen? Let the debate begin!
