WBC Interim World Champion Agit Kabayel traveled to Giza for the Usyk vs. Verhoeven duel – and officially challenged the Ukrainian after his flattering victory.
Agit Kabayel is about to finalize his world championship fight against Oleksandr Usyk. The heavyweight from Bochum, who is the interim world champion of the WBC, has long been waiting as a mandatory challenger for the “go” for a fight against the Ukrainian multiple champion. Now things should soon be settled.
Germany’s boxing hopeful traveled to Egypt for the “Glory in Giza” duel, where Usyk voluntarily put his WBC belt on the line against kickboxing star Rico Verhoeven. The Ukrainian scored a flattering victory with a technical knockout in the eleventh round. Kabayel then entered the ring and challenged Usyk to a showdown.
“When Turki organizes, I’m there”
“I’ve waited so long for this fight. I’m ready and I think Germany is ready for this fight. Many Ukrainians live in Germany,” said the “Leberking” from the Ruhrpott in a Germany jersey. “Let’s go to a stadium. I think that’s what all fans want.” To which Usyk replied: “Let’s do it. If Turki organizes, then I’ll be there.” Kabayel’s team is aiming for a stadium match in the fall of this year, with the arena in Düsseldorf with around 55,000 seats recently considered the favorite.
Now it seems to be down to Turki Al-Sheikh. The Saudi boxing impresario can make such a mega-fight in Germany possible by pulling the strings and providing the money. “We want the fight against Agit and also a rematch against Rico in the Netherlands,” “Bild.de” quotes Al-Sheikh as saying. Kabayel is also in good spirits and confirmed to the streaming service DAZN: “We’ve spoken to everyone involved and everyone is keen on this fight.” Now it’s time for the final talks.
Text: Frank Schwantes