Agit Kabayel
Agit Kabayel (born 23 September 1992) is a German professional boxer of Kurdish descent who competes in the heavyweight division and serves as the current WBC interim world heavyweight champion. With an undefeated record of 26–0, including 18 knockouts, Kabayel has established himself as a top-ranked contender through a combination of technical prowess and knockout power, standing at 6 feet 3 inches tall with an 80-inch reach.[1][2][3] Born in Leverkusen, Germany, to parents originally from the Pazarcık district in Turkey's Kahramanmaraş province, Kabayel was raised in Bochum and initially trained as a construction rail specialist before dedicating himself fully to boxing. He turned professional in June 2011 at the age of 18, quickly accumulating regional successes, including the WBC Mediterranean heavyweight title in 2014. In 2017, he won the European Boxing Union (EBU) heavyweight championship by unanimous decision over Hervé Hubeaux and defended it via majority decision against the experienced Derek Chisora, marking a career highlight at the time.[2][3][1] Following a hiatus due to injury, Kabayel staged a remarkable comeback in late 2023 with a seventh-round technical knockout of previously unbeaten Arslanbek Makhmudov in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. He continued his ascent in May 2024 by knocking out Cuban Olympian Frank Sánchez in the seventh round during a WBC heavyweight title eliminator, earning him a shot at the interim belt. Kabayel captured the WBC interim heavyweight title on 22 February 2025, stopping former Olympian Zhilei Zhang via sixth-round knockout in Riyadh, becoming the first boxer of Turkish-Kurdish origin to hold a WBC heavyweight championship. As of November 2025, he remains undefeated and is scheduled to make his first defense against the unbeaten Damian Knyba on 10 January 2026 in Oberhausen, Germany.[1][3][4][5]Early life and background
Early life
Agit Kabayel was born on September 23, 1992, in Leverkusen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany.[6] His parents hail from Pazarcık, a town in the Turkish province of Kahramanmaraş, and are of Kurdish origin.[2] The family immigrated to Germany in the 1980s.[7] At the age of four, Kabayel and his family relocated to Bochum, where he spent his formative years and continues to reside.[7] Raised in a working-class environment amid economic challenges, he was exposed to a blend of German daily life and the cultural traditions of his Kurdish heritage, which his parents instilled through family stories and practices.[7] This dual identity shaped his early worldview, fostering resilience and a strong sense of cultural pride.[8] During his childhood, Kabayel initially engaged in football as his primary sport, playing for the youth team of Bayer Leverkusen, reflecting the active pursuits common in his community before he later explored other athletic avenues.[8][9]Introduction to boxing and amateur career
Agit Kabayel discovered boxing at the age of 17 while living in Bochum, Germany, where he joined the local BSC Steele gym to channel his athletic energy after playing youth football.[9] With encouragement from his family, who supported his shift from team sports to individual combat disciplines, he quickly adapted to the demands of the ring, transitioning briefly from kickboxing to boxing under the guidance of trainer Sukru Aksu at Fightclub Wuppertal.[9][10] Kabayel's involvement in amateur boxing was minimal, with no formal or recorded amateur career, as he turned professional shortly after starting training despite his late entry into the sport.[10][9] Detailed records of any pre-professional bouts remain unavailable due to the brevity of this phase.[1] By mid-2011, Kabayel opted to turn fully professional, debuting on June 23 against Yeton Abdullah in a successful fourth-round stoppage that underscored his rapid skill development.[1] This swift transition reflected his confidence in his foundational training, allowing him to forgo extended amateur competition in favor of building a pro record under German boxing regulations.[10]Professional career
Early professional bouts and regional titles
Kabayel made his professional debut on June 23, 2011, at the age of 18, facing Yeton Abdullah in Wuppertal, Germany, where he secured a fourth-round technical knockout victory.[1] This win marked the beginning of an undefeated streak that saw him compile a 14-0 record by the end of 2016, primarily against journeyman opponents with extensive losing records. Notable early victories included a unanimous decision over Engin Solmaz (6-29-3) in July 2013 and a second-round stoppage of Pavel Siska (6-33-1) in December 2013, showcasing his ability to dominate experienced but overmatched heavyweights through superior conditioning and power. These bouts helped build his confidence and reputation in the German regional scene, drawing from the technical foundation laid during his amateur career.[3] In March 2014, Kabayel captured his first significant professional title, the vacant WBC Mediterranean heavyweight championship, defeating Gbenga Oloukun (18-9) by split decision over 10 rounds in Tekirdağ, Turkey.[11][12] This belt served as a stepping stone, solidifying his status in European heavyweight circles while he continued to rack up stoppages, including a third-round TKO against Artsiom Charniakevich (2-7) later that year. By 2016, Kabayel's early professional record stood at 16-0 with 11 knockouts, demonstrating consistent improvement against progressively tougher, though still regional-level, competition.[1] Throughout these initial years, Kabayel's fighting style evolved from a technically sound, amateur-influenced approach emphasizing footwork and precise jabbing to incorporate heavier knockout power, resulting in 11 of his first 16 wins ending inside the distance.[3] His orthodox stance and ring IQ allowed him to control distance and exploit openings, often targeting the body to wear down opponents, a tactic that became a hallmark even in his formative pro bouts.[13] This blend of mobility and punching authority, honed under trainer Sükrü Aksu, positioned him for higher-profile regional challenges by mid-decade.[14]European heavyweight champion
Kabayel captured the vacant European Boxing Union (EBU) heavyweight title on February 4, 2017, defeating Herve Hubeaux by unanimous decision over 12 rounds at the Maritim Hotel in Magdeburg, Germany. The 24-year-old German outworked the durable Belgian challenger, who entered with a 26-1 record, using precise combinations and effective footwork to secure scores of 117-112, 117-111, and 119-109. This victory marked Kabayel's first major title and extended his undefeated professional record to 16-0.[15] In his first title defense on November 4, 2017, Kabayel retained the EBU belt against the heavily favored Derek Chisora via majority decision in Monte Carlo, with judges scoring it 114-114, 115-113, and 115-114. The bout was a tactical upset, as the 25-year-old Kabayel frustrated the aggressive British veteran—known for his power and experience—with superior mobility, jabbing, and counterpunching over 12 rounds, absorbing pressure while landing cleaner shots. This win, Kabayel's biggest to date against a 27-7 opponent, propelled him into the top 15 of global heavyweight rankings and solidified his status as a rising European force.[16][17] Kabayel's second successful defense came on March 2, 2019, when he outpointed Andriy Rudenko by unanimous decision (116-111, 117-110, 119-108) in Magdeburg. Facing the 35-year-old Ukrainian with a 32-3 record, Kabayel controlled the pace with his technical boxing, using range and body work to neutralize Rudenko's power while avoiding heavy exchanges in a competitive 12-round affair. The performance further showcased Kabayel's growth as champion.[18] Kabayel relinquished the EBU title in early 2020 to pursue opportunities at the world level amid negotiations with major promoters. He briefly regained the belt in 2023, stopping Agron Smakici via third-round TKO in Bochum, but vacated it once more shortly thereafter to focus on higher-profile contests.[19][20]Rise to world contention
Following his successful defenses of the European heavyweight title, which served as a crucial stepping stone, Agit Kabayel elevated his career by capturing the vacant WBA Continental heavyweight title against Evgenios Lazaridis on July 18, 2020, in Magdeburg, Germany, securing a unanimous decision victory after 10 rounds with scores of 98-92, 99-91, and 100-90.[21] This win marked Kabayel's entry into higher-profile international contention, showcasing his technical prowess and ring control against a durable opponent.[22] Kabayel defended the WBA Continental title in his next significant bout against veteran Kevin Johnson on June 5, 2021, also in Magdeburg, dominating with a wide unanimous decision over 12 rounds (119-110, 118-111, 118-111), outlanding Johnson in effective punching while avoiding the American's counters.[23] This victory over the experienced former contender, who had challenged for world honors, bolstered Kabayel's reputation as a rising force in the division.[24] He further solidified his momentum with a first-round TKO of Pavel Sour on May 14, 2022, in Magdeburg, overwhelming the Czech journeyman with precise power shots early in the fight.[25] Kabayel's breakthrough to world-level contention came on December 23, 2023, at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where he delivered an upset fourth-round TKO over previously undefeated knockout artist Arslanbek Makhmudov (18-0 entering the bout), dropping the Russian three times with body shots before the referee stopped the action at 2:03.[26] This emphatic stoppage against a highly regarded prospect highlighted Kabayel's speed, footwork, and targeted body attack, earning widespread praise and positioning him as a genuine threat in the heavyweight landscape.[27] The momentum carried into 2024, as Kabayel faced Olympic silver medalist Frank Sánchez in a WBC heavyweight final eliminator on May 18 in Riyadh, producing a seventh-round knockout after dropping the Cuban twice with a barrage of punches, improving his record to 25-0 while ending Sánchez's undefeated streak.[28] These victories over ranked opponents propelled Kabayel from regional prominence to elite status, with him entering the top five in heavyweight rankings by late 2024, including third by BoxRec as of December.[29]WBC interim heavyweight title
On February 22, 2025, Agit Kabayel captured the vacant WBC interim heavyweight title by defeating Zhilei Zhang via knockout in the sixth round at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, as part of the Riyadh Season boxing series.[30][31][32] The victory, achieved through a series of punishing body shots that left Zhang unable to continue, marked Kabayel's 26th professional win without a loss (26-0, 18 KOs) and elevated his profile on the global stage.[33][1] This triumph also made Kabayel the first WBC heavyweight champion of Turkish-Kurdish origin, highlighting his heritage as a German boxer born to Kurdish parents from Turkey.[34] The win against the previously unbeaten Zhang (27-3-1, 22 KOs) showcased Kabayel's technical prowess and resilience, particularly after surviving a knockdown in the fifth round, and positioned him as a mandatory challenger in the WBC's heavyweight landscape.[30][31] As of November 2025, Kabayel holds the No. 3 ranking in the BoxRec heavyweight division and No. 3 in The Ring magazine's rankings, reflecting his rapid ascent following the Riyadh event.[1][35] His participation in high-profile Riyadh Season cards has provided significant international exposure, drawing attention from promoters and fans worldwide.[36] Kabayel is scheduled to make his first defense of the interim title against undefeated Polish-American contender Damian Knyba (17-0, 11 KOs) on January 10, 2026, at the Rudolf Weber Arena in Oberhausen, Germany, broadcast live on DAZN.[37][38] This homecoming bout represents a critical test, as a victory could pave the way for unification opportunities against full WBC champion Daniel Dubois or other division leaders like Oleksandr Usyk.[39][40]Personal life
Heritage and identity
Agit Kabayel was born on September 23, 1992, in Leverkusen, Germany, to Kurdish parents who originated from Pazarcık, a town in Turkey's Kahramanmaraş province.[2] His family immigrated to Germany in the 1980s.[7] Kabayel self-identifies as Kurdish-German, embracing his ethnic heritage while holding German nationality. He is Muslim, reflecting his family's cultural roots.[41] Kabayel has publicly expressed pride in his Kurdish identity through statements following key victories. After defeating Arslanbek Makhmudov in December 2023, his brother shouted from ringside, "This is Kurdish power!" capturing the family's celebration of his cultural roots.[8] Similarly, following his February 2025 stoppage win over Zhilei Zhang to claim the WBC interim heavyweight title, Kabayel declared, "They didn’t know Kurdish power," underscoring the resilience he attributes to his heritage.[42] These declarations have resonated widely among Kurdish communities, positioning him as a representative figure.[43] As the first WBC heavyweight champion of Turkish origin, Kabayel marks a milestone for boxers with ties to Turkey in the organization's history, though his Kurdish ethnicity adds a distinct layer to this representation.[4] He frequently highlights his connections to Kurdistan, including ties to the broader Kurdish diaspora. In April 2025 interviews, Kabayel voiced his dream for a united Kurdistan, describing the region as "very, very beautiful" and expressing admiration for its people.[42] During a meeting with Kurdish President Masoud Barzani, he presented his championship belt, stating, "You fight for Kurdistan outside the ring; I fight inside the ring."[42] Media coverage often balances Kabayel's German nationality with his immigrant roots, portraying him as a symbol of successful integration and multicultural identity in contemporary Germany.[2] Outlets describe him as a "Kurdish-German boxer" who carries his heritage globally while competing under the German flag.[8] This dual framing underscores his role in bridging cultural narratives in European sports.[7]Family and residence
Agit Kabayel's parents are Kurdish immigrants who originated from Pazarcık in the Turkish province of Kahramanmaraş and settled in Germany in the 1980s.[2][8] They have been instrumental in supporting his boxing career, serving as role models who instilled a resilient "fighting spirit" that Kabayel credits for his determination in the ring.[8] In interviews, he has spoken fondly of his father's hard work as a small business owner, highlighting how their perseverance motivated him to pursue professional boxing despite early challenges.[42] Kabayel shares close family ties with his cousin, the German rapper KC Rebell (real name Karim El-Masry), who is also of Kurdish descent.[44] The two have collaborated occasionally, such as when KC Rebell wrote a motivational song for Kabayel emphasizing endurance and overcoming obstacles, reflecting their mutual family bonds and shared cultural influences.[44] Kabayel maintains a long-term residence in Bochum, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, where he has established his primary training base under coach Ulli Wegner.[45] This location provides a stable environment for his professional preparations, allowing him to stay connected to his German roots while focusing on high-profile bouts. Kabayel's family life remains largely private, with limited public details available about his personal relationships as of 2025. While no information has been disclosed regarding a spouse, he became a father for the first time on July 1, 2025, marking a significant personal milestone amid his rising boxing success.[46] In various interviews, he has emphasized the motivational role his family plays in his career, often citing their support as a key driver for his undefeated record and pursuit of world titles.[8][42] His estimated net worth stands at approximately $2.7 million as of 2025, derived primarily from boxing purses, endorsements, and high-profile fights, which enables him to provide financial stability for his family.[47][7]Boxing record
Professional record
Agit Kabayel holds an undefeated professional boxing record of 26 wins (18 by knockout), 0 losses, and 0 draws as of November 2025.[1] He has competed in a total of 131 rounds throughout his career, resulting in a knockout percentage of 69.23%.[1] Kabayel has remained unbeaten since his debut in 2011, showcasing consistent dominance in the heavyweight division.[1] The following table summarizes his complete professional fight record:| No. | Opponent | Date | Location | Result | Method | Rounds | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Yeton Abdullah | 2011-06-23 | Butan Gym, Wuppertal, Germany | Win | TKO | 4 | None |
| 2 | Selcuk Dinc | 2011-07-23 | Tai-Kien Gym, Aachen, Germany | Win | PTS | 4 | None |
| 3 | Waldemar Pahl | 2012-03-24 | Maritim Hotel, Cologne, Germany | Win | PTS | 6 | None |
| 4 | Waldemar Pahl | 2012-06-23 | Kolpinghaus, Beckum, Germany | Win | TKO | 1 | None |
| 5 | Ivan Cirkovic | 2013-04-20 | Hala Spens, Novi Sad, Serbia | Win | TKO | 2 | None |
| 6 | Engin Solmaz | 2013-07-20 | Kugelbake-Halle, Cuxhaven, Germany | Win | PTS | 6 | None |
| 7 | Alexander Kahl | 2013-09-21 | Atatürk Spor Salonu, Tekirdag, Turkey | Win | TKO | 1 | None |
| 8 | Pavel Siska | 2013-12-14 | Reeperbahn Docks, St. Pauli, Germany | Win | PTS | 6 | None |
| 9 | Wladimir Letr | 2014-02-22 | Okraglak Halle, Opole, Poland | Win | TKO | 1 | None |
| 10 | Gbenga Oluokun | 2014-03-22 | Atatürk Spor Salonu, Tekirdag, Turkey | Win | SD | 10 | WBC Mediterranean (vacant) |
| 11 | Artsiom Charniakevich | 2014-12-13 | Maritim Hotel, Cologne, Germany | Win | TKO | 2 | None |
| 12 | Maksym Pedyura | 2015-10-10 | DM-Arena, Karlsruhe, Germany | Win | UD | 8 | None |
| 13 | Shalva Jomardashvili | 2015-12-19 | Saarlandhalle, Saarbruecken, Germany | Win | TKO | 2 | None |
| 14 | Lawrence Tauasa | 2016-01-30 | Maritim Hotel, Tiergarten, Germany | Win | TKO | 2 | None |
| 15 | Christian Lewandowski | 2016-06-25 | Seebühne Elbauenpark, Magdeburg, Germany | Win | TKO | 1 | None |
| 16 | Herve Hubeaux | 2017-02-04 | Maritim Hotel, Magdeburg, Germany | Win | UD | 12 | EBU European (vacant) |
| 17 | Derek Chisora | 2017-11-04 | Casino de Monte Carlo, Monte Carlo, Monaco | Win | MD | 12 | EBU European (defense) |
| 18 | Miljan Rovcanin | 2018-04-07 | Estrel Convention Center, Neukoelln, Germany | Win | TKO | 3 | None |
| 19 | Andrii Rudenko | 2019-03-02 | Maritim Hotel, Magdeburg, Germany | Win | UD | 12 | EBU European (defense) |
| 20 | Evgenios Lazaridis | 2020-07-18 | Seebühne Elbauenpark, Magdeburg, Germany | Win | UD | 10 | WBA Continental (vacant) |
| 21 | Kevin Johnson | 2021-06-26 | Seebühne Elbauenpark, Magdeburg, Germany | Win | UD | 10 | None |
| 22 | Pavel Sour | 2022-05-07 | Seebühne Elbauenpark, Magdeburg, Germany | Win | TKO | 4 | None |
| 23 | Agron Smakici | 2023-03-25 | RuhrCongress, Bochum, Germany | Win | TKO | 3 | EBU European (vacant) |
| 24 | Arslanbek Makhmudov | 2023-12-23 | Kingdom Arena, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia | Win | TKO | 7 | None |
| 25 | Frank Sanchez | 2024-05-18 | Kingdom Arena, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia | Win | TKO | 7 | WBC eliminator |
| 26 | Zhilei Zhang | 2025-02-22 | Kingdom Arena, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia | Win | TKO | 6 | WBC Interim Heavyweight (vacant) |
Title fight history
Agit Kabayel's title fight history is marked by an undefeated record in championship contests, showcasing his ability to secure and defend regional and interim world titles against established contenders. His performances in these bouts have consistently highlighted his technical prowess, power, and resilience, contributing to his rise as a top heavyweight prospect. As of November 2025, he maintains a perfect 7-0 record in title fights, with a mix of stoppages and decisions that underscore his versatility. The following table summarizes his professional title bouts chronologically:| Date | Opponent | Result | Title | Key Details and Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014-03-22 | Gbenga Oluokun | Win SD 10 | WBC Mediterranean Heavyweight (vacant) | Kabayel's first professional title win came via split decision over 10 rounds against the Nigerian veteran, establishing him as a rising force on the regional scene and marking his transition from prospect to champion.[4] |
| 2017-02-04 | Herve Hubeaux | Win UD 12 | EBU European Heavyweight (vacant) | In a tactical unanimous decision (scores: 120-108, 118-110, 117-111), Kabayel outboxed the Belgian to claim the European belt, launching his continental dominance and earning recognition as Germany's top heavyweight contender.[48] |
| 2017-11-04 | Derek Chisora | Win MD 12 | EBU European Heavyweight (defense) | Kabayel upset the heavily favored British veteran via majority decision (115-113 x2, 114-114) in a grueling war, defending his title and solidifying his reputation with a career-defining victory over a former world title challenger.[48] |
| 2019-03-02 | Andrii Rudenko | Win UD 12 | EBU European Heavyweight (defense) | A unanimous decision (117-111 x3) over the Ukrainian secured Kabayel's third successful EBU defense, demonstrating his endurance in a competitive bout and maintaining his unbeaten streak amid growing international attention.[49] |
| 2020-07-18 | Evgenios Lazaridis | Win UD 10 | WBA Continental Heavyweight (vacant) | Kabayel dominated with a unanimous decision (100-90 x3) to capture the regional strap, using precise combinations to control the Greek-based fighter and positioning himself for higher-profile opportunities post-pandemic.[21] |
| 2023-03-25 | Agron Smakici | Win TKO 3 | EBU European Heavyweight (vacant) | Returning to the European scene, Kabayel stopped the Kosovan in the third round with body shots, reclaiming the title he once held and reaffirming his elite status after a period of non-title activity.[50] |
| 2025-02-22 | Zhilei Zhang | Win TKO 6 (1:48) | WBC Interim Heavyweight (vacant) | In a dramatic upset, Kabayel rose from a fifth-round knockdown to halt the towering Chinese Olympian with a brutal liver shot, capturing the interim world title and emerging as a mandatory challenger in the division's deepest era.[51] |