Agit Kabayel symbolizes the return of German heavyweight boxing to the big stage. What for a long time took place in the shadows has now become a sold-out major event: On Saturday evening, the WBC interim champion will fight at 7 PM in the main event at the Rudolf Weber-Arena in Oberhausen against Polish fighter Damian Knyba – live on DAZN.
Around 13,000 fans will celebrate the “Local Hero.” A scene that, just a few years ago, hardly anyone would have thought possible.
From Kickboxer to Title Collector
Kabayel’s journey began anything but glamorous. Born in 1992 in Leverkusen and raised in Bochum-Wattenscheid, he found his way into boxing through kickboxing. At 18, he made his professional debut, worked his way up step by step, and collected titles long before the wider public took notice of him.
EU champion, European champion, international belts – Kabayel won, defended, and impressed, while often being overlooked by the media. Today, the situation is different.
Undefeated at the Top
Kabayel is undefeated (26 fights, 26 wins, 18 KOs), WBC interim heavyweight champion, and ranked third in the world by Ring Magazine. With his impressive wins over Arslanbek Machmudow, Frank Sánchez, and most recently Zhang Zhilei, he has firmly established himself among the elite.
His trademark: intelligent ring work, strong footwork, and relentless body shots – it’s no wonder he carries the nickname “Leberking.”
A Dangerous Opponent with Reach
The fight against Damian Knyba is more than just a routine task. While Kabayel is the clear favorite, the Polish fighter is also undefeated and possesses physical attributes – 2.01 meters in height and enormous reach – that are always dangerous in the heavyweight division.
For Kabayel, however, it is a key matchup: A convincing victory could pave the way for a regular world title fight – and with it, the chance to make history as the first German heavyweight world champion since Max Schmeling.
From the Niche to the Flagbearer
Alongside his sporting rise, Kabayel’s public profile is growing as well. Once almost entirely ignored by the press, he is now a talk show guest, the face of a sold-out PPV event, and a beacon of hope for an entire boxing nation. Even his trainer Sükrü Aksu openly admitted that he never thought this development would be possible.
The fanbase continues to grow. “All for Agit” is far more than a slogan – it is a statement.
Agit Kabayel is on the best path to becoming the first German boxing superstar since the Klitschko era. Perhaps even more: the figurehead of a new German boxing era. Saturday in Oberhausen is not a goal in itself, but another milestone on a journey that is far from over.
