In a thrilling display of dominance, Agit Kabayel is one step closer to challenging Oleksandr Usyk for the world title after a decisive victory over Damian Knyba on Saturday night. But here's where it gets controversial—was the stoppage in the third round too early, or did Kabayel simply prove his inevitability as a heavyweight contender? Let’s break it down.
Kabayel (27-0, 19 KOs), the 33-year-old German powerhouse, showcased his precision and power at the Rudolf Weber-Arena in Oberhausen, Germany. After a shaky start against the lesser-known Knyba (17-1, 11 KOs), Kabayel found his rhythm in the second round and unleashed a barrage of right hands in the third. Knyba, a 6-foot-7 Polish fighter based in New Jersey, initially landed some damaging blows in the first round, but Kabayel’s relentless pressure ultimately left him wobbly and forced the referee to step in. While some argue the stoppage was premature, Kabayel’s sixth consecutive knockout victory underscores his growing reputation as a force to be reckoned with.
And this is the part most people miss—Kabayel isn’t just another contender. He’s already taken down notable names like Zhilei Zhang, Frank Sanchez, and Arslanbek Makhmudov, solidifying his claim as a legitimate threat to Usyk’s throne. When asked who he should face next, the 12,000-strong crowd roared in unison: 'Usyk.' Kabayel himself boldly declared, 'I beat three monsters in the Riyadh Season, now give me the world title fight.'
But here’s the twist: Usyk, the WBC, WBA, and IBF world champion, is rumored to face former WBC champion Deontay Wilder next. This could delay Kabayel’s shot at the title until later in 2026—unless Usyk opts for a high-profile clash with Tyson Fury instead. Is Kabayel being overlooked, or is he the dark horse ready to upset the heavyweight hierarchy?
Kabayel’s journey to this point is no small feat. He claimed the WBC interim heavyweight title in February 2025 by knocking out Zhang, and his victory over Knyba marked a successful first defense. Meanwhile, Knyba, despite his height advantage and early aggression, struggled to go beyond eight rounds in his career, making this bout his toughest test yet. Kabayel’s ability to absorb early punishment and turn the tide highlights his championship mettle.
'I hoped to make a statement that German boxing is alive and well,' Kabayel said, positioning himself as the biggest boxing star in Germany since the Klitschko brothers dominated the sport. But the question remains: Can he dethrone Usyk, or will he become another footnote in the Ukrainian champion’s legacy?
What do you think? Is Kabayel ready for Usyk, or does he need more time to prove himself? Let us know in the comments—this debate is far from over!
