Agit Kabayel meets Elias Nerlich: The heavyweight star shows in the livestream what a real hook feels like – the net is thrilled.
Agit Kabayel is not only currently the most dangerous heavyweight boxer in Germany – he also knows how to make an impression in front of an audience of millions. At Elias Nerlich’s “Eligella Streaming Week” at the Adidas Home Ground in Herzogenaurach last Friday, the WBC interim world champion delivered a highly acclaimed performance: body shots live in front of the camera, amazement included.
Kabayel let Nerlich and his celebrity guests – including ex-professional footballers Sidney Friede and Niklas Sommer – feel his punching power for themselves. Equipped with belly protection, the streamers wanted to know what a real heavyweight hook feels like. The answer: damn fierce – although Kabayel said he only punched “at 80 percent”. “I didn’t want to hurt anyone, I just wanted to show how tough it is at heavyweight,” said the Bochum native afterwards.
But the visit wasn’t just for entertainment. Kabayel, who recently made headlines with three impressive knockout victories, also used the stream to promote boxing. With a short training session, tips from the everyday life of a professional – and the message: “I want to get young people excited about this sport.” The topic of money also came up. Nerlich asked whether Kabayel earns seven figures per fight. The boxing star answered openly: “Yes, but I don’t just do it for the money. I want the world title.”
And it is precisely this title that is within reach. If the winner of the Usyk-Dubois fight on July 19 does not immediately make a mandatory defense against the WBC interim champ for health or contractual reasons, Kabayel could still fight for the vacant WBC world title in 2025.
Text by Robin Josten