At Boxing News and Views, we evaluate Agit Kabayel’s status in heavyweight boxing. Kabayel holds a 27-0 record.
Nineteen wins came by knockout. He stands at 6 feet 3 inches. His reach measures 80 inches. Born in Leverkusen, Germany, he fights orthodox. At 33 years old, he defends the WBC interim heavyweight title. Rankings place him second by The Ring magazine. BoxRec lists him second globally.
These positions follow recent victories. Kabayel stopped Damian Knyba on January 10, 2026. The fight ended in round three by TKO. Held at Rudolf Weber-Arena in Oberhausen, Germany.
Kabayel shook off an 11-month layoff. He overwhelmed Knyba with body shots. Knyba, at 6 feet 9 inches, offered size advantage. Yet, Kabayel closed distance effectively.
Kabayel’s career began in 2011. His debut win came against Yeton Abdullah. Early opponents included Selcuk Dinc and Waldemar Pahl. He built momentum with stoppages. By 2015, he claimed the European heavyweight title. He defeated Herve Hubeaux by decision. Defended against Derek Chisora in 2017. Chisora fell by majority decision.
Kabayel controlled with jab and power. Post-Chisora, he beat Miljan Rovcanin and Andrii Rudenko. Rudenko lost by unanimous decision in 2019. Kabayel maintained undefeated streak. Pandemic halted activity. He returned in 2021 against Evgenios Lazaridis. Stopped in round three. Followed with Kevin Johnson win in 2021. Johnson retired on stool.
Recent surge defines his threat level. In 2022, Kabayel beat Pavel Sour by TKO. Sour down multiple times. Then Agron Smakici in 2023. Stopped in round three. Breakthrough came December 23, 2023.
He faced Arslanbek Makhmudov in Riyadh. Makhmudov entered 18-0 with 17 knockouts. Kabayel dropped him three times. Referee stopped in round four. Body work dismantled the Russian. Power translated against elite. Next, May 18, 2024, versus Frank Sanchez. Sanchez held 24-0 record. Fight on Fury-Usyk undercard.
Kabayel knocked Sanchez down twice in round seven. Stopped by body shot. Sanchez’s undefeated run ended. Kabayel’s stock rose.February 22, 2025, marked peak win. Kabayel challenged Zhilei Zhang. Zhang defended WBC interim title. Zhang stood 6 feet 6 inches. Known for knockouts over Joe Joyce. Fight in Riyadh.
Kabayel survived knockdown in round five. He rallied. Landed body shot in round six. Zhang failed to rise. Kabayel claimed interim belt. This victory elevated rankings. Zhang’s power tested durability. Kabayel absorbed — then countered. Style features pressure. He throws combinations. Footwork closes gaps. Jab sets up hooks. Body attacks weaken foes. Defense relies on head movement. Chin proved solid against power punchers.
Heavyweight division holds top names. Oleksandr Usyk reigns undisputed. Usyk defeated Tyson Fury twice. Holds WBC, WBA, WBO, IBF belts. Ranked first universally. Kabayel’s interim status mandates challenge. WBC rules require defense. Potential Usyk fight looms in 2026. Usyk’s boxing IQ challenges. His movement avoids pressure. Kabayel must cut ring. Force inside exchanges.
Usyk’s record: 23-0. Fifteen knockouts. At 6 feet 3 inches, size matches. Yet, Usyk’s experience edges. Fury ranks high. Fury’s height: 6 feet 9 inches. Reach: 85 inches. Elusive style frustrates. Kabayel needs volume to overwhelm. Fury’s record: 34-1-1. Loss to Usyk.
Other contenders include Daniel Dubois. Dubois holds IBF title? Wait — Usyk unified, but Dubois beat Hrgovic for interim IBF. Then full. Dubois: 22-2. Knockouts: 21. Youth at 28 favors. Power threatens. Kabayel-Dubois pits stoppage artists. Fabio Wardley ranks third by some.
Wardley: 18-0. Knockouts: 17. British puncher. Recent wins impress. Joseph Parker ranks fourth. Parker beat Zhang post-Kabayel. Parker’s record: 35-3. Experience from Joshua loss. Kabayel’s aggression suits mismatches. Yet, skilled boxers test.
Historical parallels exist. Past underdogs rose. Lennox Lewis unified in 1999. Started underrated. Built through knockouts. Kabayel mirrors path. Wins over favored opponents. Evander Holyfield moved up. Conquered heavies. At similar height. Power carried. Kabayel adds muscle.
Walks around 250 pounds. Fight night weight aids. Training focuses on conditioning. He spars tall partners. Prepares for reach disadvantages. Team includes experienced coaches. Strategy emphasizes stamina. Late rounds favor conditioners.
Skeptics note flaws. Kabayel faced knockdown versus Zhang. Durability questioned. Early career lacked big names. Chisora win aged well. Chisora beat by Fury thrice. Yet, Kabayel’s activity increased. Four wins in two years. All stoppages. Knockout ratio: 70 percent. Tops many heavies.
Output averages 60 punches per round. Opponents tire. Heavyweight threats need power. Kabayel delivers. Body focus unique. Weakens legs. Sets up head shots.
Future holds promise. Usyk rematch with Fury possible. Delays Kabayel shot. Alternate: Dubois unification. Or Parker. Promoters eye Riyadh events. Saudi funding boosts. Kabayel’s German base draws crowds. Oberhausen fight sold out. Fan support grows. Marketability rises. Undefeated allure attracts. Legacy chases titles.
We at Boxing News and Views see potential. Rankings confirm. Wins substantiate. Style disrupts elites. Challenges remain. Size gaps exist. Experience builds. Kabayel adapts. Interim defense succeeded.
Next step: full title. Division evolves with youth. Kabayel fits. Threat level high. Performance dictates.In heavyweight boxing, surprises occur.
Kabayel’s run continues. Undefeated record intact. Knockouts accumulate. Usyk test ultimate. Win cements status. Loss educates. Journey captivates. Facts support rise. Record proves.
Rankings affirm.
Kabayel threatens.
