In a move that’s stirring up quite a bit of buzz in the boxing world, heavyweight contender Agit Kabayel is set to face off against unbeaten Polish boxer Damian Knyba on January 10. The fight will take place at the Rudolf Weber Arena located in Oberhausen, Germany, and this matchup is generating a lot of anticipation among fans and analysts alike. But here's where it gets controversial—initial reports suggested that Kabayel might face Daniel Dubois instead, but those plans fell through due to disagreements over terms.
According to the German sports newspaper BILD, the official announcement for Kabayel’s next bout is expected to be made this Wednesday. Interestingly, there’s been considerable talk about potential opponents, especially Dubois, who was reportedly in negotiations to fight Kabayel. However, despite these discussions, an agreement could not be reached, leaving Knyba as the opponent for this upcoming fight.
Knyba, who boasts an undefeated record of 17 wins with 11 knockouts, has primarily been competing in the United States since 2022 after signing with Top Rank. Despite his impressive 17-0 record, he is currently ranked 38th in the latest WBC heavyweight rankings—a far cry from Kabayel’s status as an interim champion.
Kabayel, at 26-0 with 18 KOs, is considered a serious contender with a solid track record that includes impressive wins over fighters like Arslanbek Makhmudov, Frank Sanchez, and Zhilei Zhang. Many believe he deserves a shot at the heavyweight title held by Oleksandr Usyk, especially after delivering dominant performances in recent fights. His upcoming bout against Knyba will be his first in Germany since 2023, adding extra motivation for the local fans.
Knyba has shown his knockout power recently, winning his last four fights by stoppage, with his most recent victory coming against Joey Dawejko in seven rounds just last month. Still, he has yet to face the very top-tier fighters, and this fight against Kabayel could serve as a significant stepping stone.
And this is the part most people miss—whether Knyba can upset the odds and show that he belongs among the heavyweight elite remains to be seen. Meanwhile, Kabayel’s reputation continues to grow, especially after his impressive performances that have positioned him as a legitimate challenger for the heavyweight crown.
In other exciting news, boxing fans are gearing up for a couple of must-see matchups: Stephen Fulton versus O'Shaquie Foster and Subriel Matias versus Dalton Smith. These bouts promise to deliver high-octane action and could shake up the division rankings further.
So, what’s your take? Do you think Knyba has what it takes to pull off an upset, or is Kabayel destined for a shot at the world title? Share your thoughts—these fights are shaping up to be some of the most intriguing of the year.
