Agit Kabayel - The new superstar of German and heavyweight boxing after brutal Damian Knyba stoppage

Agit Kabayel proved he has the backing of the German public as he wowed his local support with a brutal third-round stoppage against Damian Knyba in Oberhausen. 

The most recent stages of Kabayel’s career have largely been fought in Saudi Arabia, but his homecoming has proved that he is a national superstar as the sold-out crowd made incredible noise whenever Kabayel landed on his outgunned opponent. 

Targeting a huge showdown with Oleksandr Usyk, Kabayel knew this dress rehearsal for a world title shot against the magical Ukrainian had to run smoothly, but he was given something of a wakeup call in the opening session as Knyba started fast. 

Landing his uppercut through Kabayel’s guard, Knyba made an early impression, and he was hugely motivated when he became aware he had caused a cut above Kabayel’s right eye. 

Despite the confident start, that was as good as it got for Knyba as Kabayel quickly worked out the puzzle in front of him and had big success when cutting off the ring and reducing any space for the Pole to work. 

In the third session, Kabayel landed regularly, and every shot was greeted with wild applause from those in attendance. With Knyba taking several right hands, Mark Lyson was on hand to make a sensible intervention as Kabayel walked off to celebrate with his adoring public. 

In his post-fight interview, Kabayel made it clear that he wants a world title fight next, and with Germany coming out to support him in such a ferocious manner, he will feel he is capable of beating anyone, Usyk included, if he can secure home advantage.

Kabayel vs Knyba analysis

A stunning night in Germany – DAZN News’ Senior Boxing Writer: Chris Walker 

There was excitement all over the face of Frank Warren during the build-up to this fight as he brought big-time boxing back to a country that has delivered many memorable nights. 

This was a stunning night in Germany, and although the people at Queensberry were expecting a grand night, what occurred may have even shocked them. 

From the opening bell, Kabayel was treated like a national hero, and the deafening noise inside the arena was as loud as anything ever experienced by Felix Sturm, Sven Ottke, and both Klitschko brothers. 

Just like those that entertained German fight fans before him, Kabayel was no different, and his three-round battle with Knyba went a long way to proving that he is a major player in a changing heavyweight division. 

Is Usyk next? Does Warren squeeze one more in for his new superstar to capitalise on his appeal? Whatever is next for Kabayel, his win over Knyba has gone a long way to ensuring that he is a major draw in boxing’s most glamorous weight class.

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