On February 22, 2025, Agit Kabayel captured the WBC interim heavyweight title with a phenomenal victory over the formidable Zhilei Zhang, solidifying his position as one of boxing's dark horses. The bout took place amid much anticipation, as Kabayel entered the ring boasting an impressive undefeated record of 25-0. With this win, he improved to 26-0, demonstrating not only his skills but his ability to withstand adversity.
Kabayel wasted no time putting his plan to work, attacking Zhang's body from the outset. Known for his powerful punches, Kabayel's strategy proved effective, with Zhang spotting Kabayel's aggression during the early rounds. Although Zhang, nine years Kabayel's senior at 41, opened the fight with some impressive combinations, it wasn’t long before Kabayel began to find his rhythm.
The highlight of the evening came during the sixth round. After enduring a knockdown from Zhang's left hook earlier in the fight, Kabayel retaliated with astonishing ferocity. With the time ticking, he unleashed devastating body shots, sending Zhang crashing to the canvas at 2:29 of the round. This decisive moment not only ended the match but also marked Zhang's first stoppage loss, leaving him with a record of 27-3-1.
During the fight, Zhang had his moments, including pushing Kabayel back and landing clean shots. Yet, Kabayel’s speed and tactical approach kept him one step ahead, eventually overwhelming the veteran fighter. Zhang was clearly affected as the bout wore on, exhibiting visible signs of fatigue by the fourth and fifth rounds, with his face showing the effects of Kabayel’s relentless pressure.
The atmosphere was electric as Kabayel recovered from his knockdown, indicating his resilience and determination not to let the setback derail his aspirations. Viewers across the globe were captivated by the fierce exchanges, as every punch seemed to propel Kabayel closer to victory.
The win is more than just another notch on Kabayel's belt; it places him firmly on the radar of future heavyweight title shots. With three consecutive significant victories, he now positions himself within the conversation of potential challengers to established champions like Oleksandr Usyk. Kabayel's performance on this big stage has showcased not only his boxing skills but also his heart, making him one of the fighters to watch moving forward.
Looking back at the match, it appears clear: Kabayel may have found his sweet spot, and all eyes will be on what he does next. Boxing fans are eager to see if this latest performance can propel him toward another major title bout.