Agit Kabayel made headlines on February 22, 2025, with his impressive sixth-round knockout of Zhilei "Big Bang" Zhang at the ANB Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The victory earned Kabayel the WBC interim heavyweight title, marking his ascent as one of the division's top contenders.
Entering the ring undefeated at 26-0 with 18 knockouts, Kabayel faced Zhang, who held a record of 27 wins, 3 losses, and 1 draw. Both fighters were well aware of the stakes, not just for themselves but for the heavyweight division at large, with unified champion Oleksandr Usyk watching closely from ringside.
From the onset, Zhang came out strong, using his considerable size advantage and powerful left hands, eager to exert pressure on Kabayel. He took the center of the ring early on, landing solid body shots and keeping Kabayel on the back foot. It looked like Zhang's aggressive approach might pay dividends.
But Kabayel, known for his resilience, quickly adjusted. He shifted tactics, absorbing the initial pressure and responding with an unyielding body attack. By the middle rounds, he was effectively slowing Zhang down, landing quick combinations with precision.
Round five proved pivotal, though, as Zhang landed a thunderous left hand, sending Kabayel to the canvas. Despite the momentary setback, Kabayel climbed back up, showing grit and determination. The round ended with Kabayel recovering and landing several effective shots, displaying his ability to endure adversity.
Rounds six saw Kabayel turn up the heat. His relentless assault on Zhang's midsection began to take its toll, and soon, he delivered sharp combinations, leaving Zhang visibly exhausted. The moment came when Kabayel ripped a powerful right followed by a devastating left hook to Zhang's liver, dropping the Chinese heavy at 2:29 of round six.
The referee, Mark Lyson, quickly counted Zhang out, solidifying Kabayel's victory and his new status within the heavyweight ranks. "Kabaye, the undefeated German battled back from adversity to score a thunderous sixth-round knockout of Zhilei Zhang and capture the WBC interim heavyweight title," tweeted Spinnin Backfist.
This victory is viewed as the biggest win of Kabayel’s career, bringing along the potential for title shots against more established names, including the likes of Usyk himself. The victory means not only the interim belt but also marks Kabayel as the No. 1 ranked contender for WBC, WBA, and WBO titles.
Prior to the fight, Zhang was ranked No. 4 by The Ring Magazine, but this defeat raises serious questions about his future. The 41-year-old, known for his punching power, now faces the reality of his place within the division. Zhang fell to 27-3-1, and with this loss, one must wonder how many more fights he can realistically pursue.
Kabayel’s victory is also seen as part of the broader growth of heavyweight boxing, benefiting from substantial investments, particularly from Saudi Arabia. This fight was part of the grand Riyadh Season event, which showcased multiple high-profile matchups and served to promote boxing's resurgence.
Following the fight, the triumphant Kabayel received the WBC interim title from Usyk himself, symbolizing his rise to the top echelons of the sport. The night concluded with buzz surrounding what lies next for both fighters, as Kabayel now enters discussions for future opponents, potentially setting the stage for significant bouts against elite heavyweights.
With his ‘no back down' attitude and growing reputation, Agit Kabayel has proven he isn't just another hopeful but rather, he's made his mark, firmly placing him on the path toward championship opportunities. His performance against Zhilei Zhang reaffirms his status as one of the division's new elite contenders.