Kabayel's Dominance Over Knyba Paves the Way for a World Title Shot Against Usyk
By Nick Parkinson
January 10, 2026
Agit Kabayel's relentless performance against Damian Knyba on Saturday solidified his position as a top contender in the boxing world. Kabayel's victory, achieved through a series of powerful right hands in the third round, marked a successful defense of the WBC interim heavyweight title. This win propels Kabayel closer to a world title fight against the renowned Oleksandr Usyk.
The 33-year-old Kabayel, with an impressive 27-0 record, showcased his prowess by knocking out Knyba in three rounds at the Rudolf Weber-Arena in Oberhausen, Germany. This victory was not just a display of strength but also a strategic move, as Kabayel's recent string of victories over notable opponents like Zhilei Zhang, Frank Sanchez, and Arslanbek Makhmudov, has solidified his reputation as a force to be reckoned with.
Despite Knyba's initial challenge, standing at 6'7" and posing a formidable physical presence, Kabayel's precision and timing proved decisive. The German boxer's ability to land accurate right hands left Knyba, a Polish fighter based in New Jersey, on shaky legs, ultimately leading to the referee's stoppage in the third round.
Kabayel's performance sparked excitement among the 12,000-strong crowd, who eagerly called out Usyk as the next opponent. Kabayel, in a bold statement, echoed their sentiment, expressing his desire for a world title fight after his recent triumphs in Riyadh.
However, the path to a Usyk showdown is not without obstacles. The WBC, WBA, and IBF world champion Usyk is reportedly eyeing a fight against former WBC champion Deontay Wilder. This potential clash could delay Kabayel's ascent to the top, especially if Usyk opts to face former champion Tyson Fury instead.
Kabayel's journey to the top has been marked by a series of strategic victories. His win over Zhang in February 2025 secured the WBC interim title, demonstrating his ability to adapt and dominate against various opponents. Knyba, despite his initial challenge, had not previously faced the rigorous 12-round format, making Kabayel's victory all the more impressive.
As Kabayel continues to climb the ranks, his relentless pursuit of a world title fight against Usyk promises an exciting future for boxing fans. The question remains: will Kabayel's dominance continue, and will he secure the world title he so desires?
