Boxer Kabayel Crowned WBC Heavyweight Champion
Translated from German, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- German boxer Agit Kabayel has been named the WBC heavyweight world champion, becoming the first German to hold the title since Max Schmeling in 1932.
- The WBC awarded Kabayel the title following the decision of Ukrainian champion Oleksandr Usyk to vacate all his heavyweight belts.
- Kabayel expressed immense pride and called it the realization of his dreams, also acknowledging his Kurdish roots.
Agit Kabayel has achieved a historic milestone in German boxing, being named the WBC heavyweight world champion. This makes him the first German to hold this prestigious title since the legendary Max Schmeling in 1932, a feat that has brought immense pride to his nation.
I am incredibly proud to be the first German heavyweight world champion since Max Schmeling 94 years ago. I have reached the goal of my dreams.
The World Boxing Council (WBC) awarded Kabayel the championship belt after Ukrainian boxer Oleksandr Usyk decided to relinquish all his heavyweight titles. This decision paved the way for Kabayel, who had been actively seeking a title fight against Usyk, to claim the championship.
Words cannot describe what I am feeling right now.
Kabayel, who previously held the interim WBC title, expressed his profound emotions, stating, "I am incredibly proud to be the first German heavyweight world champion since Max Schmeling 94 years ago. I have reached the goal of my dreams." He also took to Instagram to acknowledge his Kurdish heritage, conveying that words could not capture his current feelings.
The WBC wants to see this fight. The fans want it too. And you agreed in the ring. So, Usyk: let's do it.
While Kabayel had publicly called for a fight with Usyk, the Ukrainian champion's decision to step aside has led to this championship recognition. Kabayel had previously voiced his thoughts on Usyk's potential motivations, suggesting that at 39, Usyk might no longer seek the same level of competitive challenge.
Of course, it would have been nice. But I think Usyk, at 39, is no longer looking for the sporting challenge. It's not easy to go from hunter to hunted. Maybe at his age, he no longer wants to be hunted and no longer has that spirit.
Originally published by Die Zeit in German. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.