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Agit Kabayel blocks out the noise ahead of new chapter for German boxing
WBC interim heavyweight champion Agit Kabayel is trying his best to ignore the noise ahead of his long-awaited homecoming.
On Saturday night, Kabayel fights in Germany for the first time in three years when he takes on Poland's Damian Knyba, live on DAZN.
After three stellar knockout performances in Riyadh, his most recent being against Zhilei Zhang last year, Kabayel finds himself on the brink of a date with unified champion Oleksandr Usyk.
Kabayel has made no secret in the build-up that he wants Usyk next, and he can further his cause with a victory in Oberhausen, but it's not just a personal gain for Kabayel if he manages to continue enjoying success.
The hopes of Germany, which once controlled the heavyweight division, are resting on his shoulders, with many expecting Kabayel to spearhead a new era of boxing in the country.
Kabayel focused on Knbyba despite media chaos
After selling out the Rudolf Weber-Arena within three days, it's safe to say Kabayel is a major star in Germany.
DAZN's Michael Ridout recalled a moment at last season's Champions League final where Kabayel was mobbed in Munich, a clear sign that the 33-year-old has broken into the mainstream.
However, while Kabayel is being subject to extra media attention and his clash with Knyba being given the full 'big fight' promotion treatment, he is not letting this distract him from the task at hand on Saturday night.
"At the moment my team is focused on Saturday. I’m glad about media support and promotion, but we’re not going to be influenced by that," Kabayel said at Thursday's press conference.
"Every fight is something new, I always try to bring the best out of myself. I have to be better than I was the last time, even though I win, I look for the challenges in myself.
"The last three fights, I was the underdog; now I’m the favourite."
Inevitably, the subject of what this means for German boxing was brought up, and for Kabayel, he is ready to start a new age of German boxing which he labelled 'The Kabayel era'.
"This is my own era, the Kabayel era is the new generation. You’ve seen how the media is coming onboard.
"I’m writing my own story, but we’re at the beginning of the journey, let’s go!"
'I'm going to show the power of Poland' - Knyba
Kabayel's opponent Knyba, is aware of his role as the underdog.
Oberhausen's Rudolf Weber-Arena will be the lion's den for Knyba with Kabayel's German fanbase expecting a knockout performance, but the Polish heavyweight is ready to give a good account of himself and spoil the party.
"I also have a feeling that the media don’t take me seriously, but I can’t say the same about Agit; he respects me, he takes me seriously and I have great respect for him," Knyba said. "I’m the underdog, he knows my situation, and on Saturday I’m going to give it my all."
Undefeated in 17 fights and possessing an impressive 86-inch reach, Knyba is confident in the gameplan devised for this contest and is enjoying the extra motivation from his Polish fanbase, with some set to make the trip this weekend.
"For me, it’s simply additional motivation to go the extra mile," Knyba responded when asked about his passionate fans.
"So be there, give me your support, whether live or on the TV. On Saturday, I’m going to show the power of Poland."
Watch Kabayel vs. Knyba with a DAZN subscription
January starts with a heavyweight bang as Agit Kabayel takes the next steps towards a world title shot as he face Damian Knyba this Saturday, January 10, exclusively on DAZN Watch with a subscription, monthly and annual options available.
