A new contender has emerged in the heavyweight boxing scene as Agit Kabayel has expressed his desire to challenge Oleksandr Usyk for the world title. This announcement follows Kabayel’s recent victory over Damian Knyba, where he successfully defended his interim WBC heavyweight title. Usyk’s manager has indicated that a potential matchup with Deontay Wilder is under consideration for April or May, but Kabayel is determined to disrupt those plans.
Kabayel’s latest bout took place in Germany, where he faced Knyba in an intense fight for the interim title. The match ended controversially, with the referee stopping the contest in the third round after Kabayel landed a series of powerful punches, despite Knyba initially putting up a strong fight. The decision sparked debate among fans, with some celebrating the stoppage while others criticized it as premature.
With this win, Kabayel extended his knockout streak to six fights, showcasing his ability against notable opponents such as Zhilei Zhang and Frank Sanchez. In his post-fight comments, Kabayel made a clear statement regarding his aspirations, saying, “I waited so long for this title opportunity, I beat three monsters in the Riyadh Season. Give me the world title fight. I’m ready.”
Kabayel’s History with Usyk
Interestingly, Kabayel’s connection with Usyk dates back to when the Ukrainian champion presented him with the interim title. This moment indicated mutual respect between the two fighters. Kabayel reflected on this encounter, suggesting that Usyk may have underestimated the potential of the German boxing market. He stated, “This is nice but I want your belt,” emphasizing his determination to claim the championship title from Usyk.
As Kabayel continues to build momentum, attention turns to Usyk, who is coming off a successful title defense against Daniel Dubois, where he secured the IBF heavyweight title with a fifth-round knockout. Fans are eager to see whether Usyk will choose to face Kabayel or pursue a highly anticipated bout with Wilder, a former champion known for his knockout power.
The heavyweight division remains dynamic, and with contenders like Kabayel stepping forward, the landscape could shift dramatically in the coming months. As negotiations unfold, boxing enthusiasts will be watching closely to see who will ultimately get the chance to challenge for the heavyweight crown.
