A new contender has emerged in the heavyweight boxing scene, as Agit Kabayel has set his sights on a title fight with Oleksandr Usyk. This follows a recent victory where he secured the interim WBC heavyweight title in Germany. Usyk’s manager has indicated that a potential matchup with Deontay Wilder is under consideration, likely scheduled for April or May 2025. Wilder, who captured the IBF heavyweight title by defeating Daniel Dubois in the fifth round of their fight, is confident he has what it takes to challenge Usyk. Yet, this prospect has not garnered significant enthusiasm among boxing fans.
Kabayel’s latest performance showcased his skills, as he faced undefeated fighter Damian Knyba in a highly anticipated bout. The match for the interim WBC heavyweight title took place on March 15, 2025, and while Knyba started strong, he was ultimately overwhelmed by Kabayel’s relentless pressure. The referee halted the fight after the third round, a decision that sparked debate among spectators about whether it was premature. Despite the controversy surrounding the stoppage, Kabayel extended his knockout streak to six, enhancing his reputation with previous victories against notable opponents like Zhilei Zhang and Frank Sanchez.
In the aftermath of his win, Kabayel expressed his desire for a unification bout with Usyk, declaring during his post-fight interview, “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.” His determination is palpable, as he seeks to consolidate his position in the heavyweight hierarchy.
Interestingly, it was Usyk who presented Kabayel with the interim title belt, a gesture highlighting the mutual respect between the two fighters. Kabayel reflected on this moment, indicating that he felt Usyk might not have anticipated their eventual encounter in the ring. He also noted that Usyk may have underestimated the potential of the German boxing market, which Kabayel aims to elevate through his performances.
“This is nice, but I want your belt,” Kabayel stated, emphasizing his ambition to challenge Usyk for the heavyweight championship. His aspirations align with the growing competitiveness within the heavyweight division, which continues to captivate audiences worldwide.
As the landscape of heavyweight boxing evolves, the potential clash between Kabayel and Usyk could be a defining moment for both fighters. With the prospect of facing Wilder also looming for Usyk, fans are eager to see how these matchups unfold in the coming months.
