Agit Kabayel is ready to take his shot at history—and he wants Oleksandr Usyk standing in his way. The undefeated German heavyweight believes there’s no one more deserving, or more dangerous, to challenge the unified world champion. But here's where it gets interesting: could Kabayel genuinely be the toughest test of Usyk’s reign? Some in the boxing world think so.
Currently holding the WBC Interim heavyweight title, Kabayel is just one win away from becoming Usyk’s mandatory challenger. His next bout, scheduled for January, stands as a pivotal moment—if he prevails, it could seal his path to the world stage. Usyk, who vacated his WBO belt but still rules the heavyweight scene with the WBC, WBA, and IBF titles, has already defeated Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua, and Daniel Dubois. His run of dominance from cruiserweight to heavyweight has made him one of the most complete technicians boxing has seen in decades.
Yet Kabayel’s rise has been nothing short of electric. Still unbeaten, he’s carved his name into the contender conversation with a string of high-profile victories—stopping Aslanbek Makhmudov, Frank Sanchez, and Zhilei Zhang in style. That trio of wins, especially the knockout against Zhang, turned heads among fans and analysts who now say Kabayel might be the only man capable of troubling Usyk’s rhythm and composure.
“People say I’m the best option for Usyk—but I stay humble,” Kabayel told Sky Sports. “After the fight with Zhang, everyone saw what level I’m at. Sanchez was a great boxer, but beating Zhang proved I belong among the elite. I believe in myself, and now the world does too.”
Still, Kabayel doesn’t expect Usyk to call his name for the next defense. Instead, he’s turning his focus toward strengthening his fanbase and commercial appeal—starting at home. On January 10, he will defend his Interim belt against Damian Knyba in Oberhausen, Germany. Incredibly, the event sold out in just five days. “It’s my dream to bring big-time boxing back to Germany,” Kabayel said proudly. “The Kabayel era has started. The fans here are behind me all the way.”
What Kabayel wants now is to show that he’s not only a threat in the ring but also a marketable star who can draw massive crowds. “Germany has a huge boxing market,” he explained. “If I fight a big name like Usyk, we could fill a stadium here. Once his team sees that, maybe he’ll finally say, ‘Let’s go, Kabayel.’”
Curiously, Usyk has never mentioned Kabayel as a potential opponent, even after his recent triumphs. “I don’t know why he won’t say my name,” Kabayel admitted. “But after one or two more fights in Germany, I’ll be ready. I live for big challenges.”
And then came the statement that could change everything: “Let’s go—Kabayel versus Usyk. Neither of us has ever lost. This would be the best fight for the fans. It’s time.”
The question now is—will Usyk answer that call, or continue looking elsewhere? And more provocatively, do boxing fans believe Kabayel has earned the right to test the champion’s supremacy? Share your thoughts: is this the fight heavyweight boxing truly needs next?
