Agit Kabayel’s Knockout Win Over Knyba Sends a Clear Message: He Wants Usyk Next
Agit Kabayel successfully defended his WBC interim heavyweight title with a controversial third-round stoppage of Damian Knyba on Saturday at Rudolf Weber Arena.
The undefeated German improved to 27-0 with 19 knockouts. After the victory, he immediately called out unified champion Oleksandr Usyk.
Early Trouble for the Champion
Knyba started aggressively, using his 6-foot-7 frame and 86-inch reach to control distance. The Polish challenger landed a series of right hands that damaged Kabayel’s right eye within the first two minutes.
Knyba’s uppercut was the standout shot of round one, and he appeared to be solving the puzzle against the hometown favorite. The 13,000 fans in attendance grew concerned.
The Turning Point
Kabayel settled into rhythm in round two, finding a home for his infamous body shots and taking the steam out of Knyba’s work. The German is considered the best body puncher in the heavyweight division. Those shots changed the fight completely.
In round three, Kabayel opened a cut on Knyba’s face and snatched momentum entirely. He put Knyba on shaky legs with a series of overhand rights in the final minute.
Referee Mark Lyson stepped in to halt the action at 2:20 of round three. The stoppage drew significant controversy, with many proclaiming it too early. Knyba also protested the decision.
The Call for Usyk
After his victory, Kabayel addressed the crowd about his next opponent. Chants of “Usyk” rang out throughout the arena.
“I wait so long for this title shot,” Kabayel told the crowd. “I beat three monsters in Riyadh Season. Give me the world title fight. I’m ready. Really I’m ready. Let’s go.”
His manager Spencer Brown doubled down on the callout. “Wherever you are, we’re ready. Come on.”
The Road to a Title Shot
Kabayel burst back onto the scene with a win over undefeated Russian Arslanbek Makhmudov in 2023. He then took another heavyweight’s perfect record in Frank Sanchez.
His biggest victory came in February 2025. Kabayel stopped veteran Zhilei Zhang in six rounds to win the WBC interim title. The bodyshot masterclass was the first time Zhang had been stopped in 11 years of professional fighting. All three of those victories happened in Saudi Arabia as part of Riyadh Season events.
Usyk’s Next Move
Oleksandr Usyk has been granted a voluntary defense by the WBC and is currently in negotiations with Deontay Wilder. This puts Kabayel in a frustrating position. He may need to make another interim title defense while waiting for his shot at the full championship. The WBC has not announced a mandatory timeline for Usyk to face Kabayel.
Knyba’s Performance
Despite the loss, Knyba showed he belongs at a higher level. The Polish fighter enjoyed a successful 2025, notching up three stoppage victories between February and October. Knyba’s last fight was a seventh-round knockout of Joey Dawejko in October. He entered this bout at 17-0 with 11 knockouts. The loss drops his record to 17-1. At 29 years old fighting out of New Jersey, he has time to rebuild and earn another title shot.
What’s Next for Kabayel
The German fighter wants Usyk immediately. But politics in boxing rarely work that simply. Usyk holds the WBC, WBA, and WBO heavyweight titles. His fight with Wilder would be a massive payday and high-profile matchup.
If that fight happens, Kabayel will need patience. He may take another defense of his interim belt in the meantime. Kabayel hasn’t gone the distance since 2021. Every recent fight has ended by stoppage. His finishing ability makes him a dangerous opponent for anyone in the division.
Looking Ahead
The heavyweight division remains in transition. Usyk dominates as the unified champion. Fury is reportedly coming out of retirement to fight Anthony Joshua in 2026. Kabayel represents the next generation of heavyweight contenders. At 27-0, he’s proven himself against top opposition.
His body punching ability makes him a unique threat. Few heavyweights can match his work to the midsection. When he gets his title shot against Usyk or whoever holds the belts, it will be must-watch television.
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