The streaming service has released a two-part documentary ahead of Agit Kabayel’s “Homecoming”. It also features boxing idols such as Regina Halmich, Henry Maske and Axel Schulz.
After an absence of almost three years, heavyweight Agit Kabayel will finally be back in front of his fans in Germany on January 10, 2026. To coincide with the biggest boxing event on German soil in years, streaming service DAZN has filmed a two-part documentary about the German heavyweight hopeful. This is now also available to watch for free on YoTube.
At the “Homecoming” in the sold-out Rudolf-Weber-Arena in Oberhausen, the undefeated “Leberking” (26-0, 18 knockouts) wants to defend his title as interim WBC world champion. Kabayel’s opponent will be the also unbeaten Pole Damian Knyba (17-0, 11 knockouts). 13,000 fans will be present in Oberhausen when Kabayel takes another step towards a world championship fight at the beginning of next year. As a mandatory challenger, he still wants to get the fight he deserves against WBC champion Oleksandr Usyk.
Difficult childhood
The documentary from DAZN, which is well worth watching, not only shows the sporting career of the 33-year-old Bochum native, who was named “Boxer of the Year” by BOXSPORT, but also provides numerous private insights. Kabayel’s difficult childhood as the son of Kurdish immigrants is discussed as well as a formative prison stay of the boxing pro.
“I used to be lazy, now I’m disciplined. My path was like cutting a diamond – hard, but necessary,” Kabayel says in the documentary. “I have learned which tools I need and which behaviors I have to discard. Now I’m ready for the biggest fight of my life.”
Sükrü Aksu, who has been working with Kabayel for 17 years, has played a decisive role in Leberking’s sporting success. “I said: Look, the fat guy, he goes in where it hurts. I said he could become something,” says the charismatic coach, recalling the early days. Kabayel’s discoverer also talks in the documentary about the low points in his protégé’s career.
Successor to Max Schmeling?
German boxing idols such as Regina Halmich, Henry Maske and Axel Schulz also have their say in the two-parter. “He has definitely arrived at the top of the world. It doesn’t consist of one, two or three boxers – not even in one weight class. There are a few more. But Agit has definitely arrived in this quality, in this standard,” says Henry Maske, for example. “When it comes to finding a successor to Max Schmeling, I definitely believe Agit can do justice to this role.” And Regina Halmich explains: “Agit has it all: He’s likeable, authentic and doesn’t have to make up stories – he is the story.”
Kabayel recently landed three spectacular knockout victories at the Riyadh Season, defeating three top heavyweights – Arslanbek Makhmudov, Frank Sanchez and Zhilei Zhang – early. He now wants to take the next step on January 10. “I’m ready to make all the people who are there proud on that day,” says Kabayel. “And all the people who are also watching at home should realize: German boxing is alive and well and we’re keeping the flag flying.”
Text: Frank Schwantes / with DAZN material
DAZN will broadcast the fight night in Oberhausen live and exclusively. The streaming service is currently offering its pay-TV subscription (“Super Sports Package”) at a reduced price of just under ten euros per month so that as many boxing fans as possible can tune in to “Homecoming”. An additional one-off fee of EUR 9.99 is payable to watch the Kabayel fight including the complete fight card.