Agit Kabayel Crowned WBC Heavyweight Champion, First German Since Max Schmeling
Berlin, June 27 – Professional boxer Agit Kabayel from Bochum has been officially designated as the World Boxing Council (WBC) Heavyweight Champion. This historic announcement makes Kabayel the first German to hold this prestigious title since boxing legend Max Schmeling in 1932. The WBC awarded Kabayel the title following the decision by Ukrainian world champion Oleksandr Usyk to relinquish all his heavyweight belts.
“I am incredibly proud to be the first German heavyweight world champion since Max Schmeling 94 years ago. I have reached the goal of my dreams,” Kabayel told the “Bild” newspaper. On Instagram, Kabayel also acknowledged his Kurdish roots, writing: “Words cannot describe what I am feeling right now.”
Usyk’s Vacated Titles Pave the Way
Kabayel had previously sought a title fight against Usyk, who, despite vacating his titles, has indicated he does not intend to fully retire from professional boxing. Usyk’s future plans remain unclear. In recent months, Kabayel had repeatedly called for a bout with Usyk. In February, the WBC even ordered the fight, much to Kabayel’s delight.
The 34-year-old recently posted a video directly addressing the 39-year-old Usyk: “The WBC wants to see this fight. The fans want it too. And you agreed in the ring. So, Usyk: Let’s do this,” Kabayel wrote alongside the video.
From Interim Champion to World Champion
“Of course, it would have been nice to fight him. But I believe Usyk, at 39, is no longer looking for the same athletic challenge. It’s not easy to go from being the hunter to the hunted. Perhaps he no longer wants to be hunted at his age and doesn’t have that spirit anymore,” Kabayel recently told ntv. Previously, Kabayel held the WBC interim title, successfully defending it in January against Poland’s Damian Knyba in Oberhausen.
Usyk had achieved the remarkable feat of unifying the titles of various competing boxing organizations. Last November, he relinquished his WBO title. The WBA and IBF are also significant organizations in professional boxing, each crowning their own world champions.
This achievement marks a significant milestone in German boxing, bringing the heavyweight world title back to Germany after nearly a century. Kabayel’s journey from interim champion to undisputed world champion highlights his dedication and skill in the sport.
The boxing world now awaits Kabayel’s next moves as he steps into this historic role, carrying the hopes of German boxing fans and aiming to establish his legacy as a dominant force in the heavyweight division. His ascent to the top is a testament to his perseverance and talent, solidifying his place in boxing history alongside Max Schmeling.
Kabayel’s promoter confirmed the WBC’s decision, emphasizing the significance of this moment for German boxing. The official announcement has generated considerable excitement within the boxing community, with fans eager to see how Kabayel will defend his newly acquired title against future challengers.
The boxer’s emotional reaction on social media, acknowledging his Kurdish heritage, resonated with many, adding a personal touch to his professional triumph. This historic win not only elevates Kabayel’s status but also reinvigorates interest in heavyweight boxing in Germany.
Source: dpa-infocom, dpa:260627-930-295631/1
