Undefeated Kurdish-German boxing champion Agit Kabayel will return to Germany on January 10 to face undefeated Polish contender Damian Knyba for the WBC Interim Heavyweight Title in Oberhausen.
Speaking to Kurdish Media, Kabayel said the upcoming fight carries deep personal meaning.
“I’m standing for Germany, for Kurdistan, for everyone who has supported me. That’s what makes this moment so emotional and so significant,” he said.
Nicknamed the “Liver King” for his devastating body-shot knockouts, Kabayel has built an impressive international record with 26 wins and 18 knockouts. He currently holds the WBC Interim Heavyweight Title and has also claimed multiple regional belts, including the European Championship twice between 2017 and 2024.
A Homecoming Fight
For Agit Kabayel, returning to Germany—where he was born and raised—adds a powerful emotional layer to the event.
“For me, this fight is a homecoming – in front of my German fans, in the Ruhr area where I grew up. At the same time, I carry the Kurdish people in my heart. I’m fighting for my roots, too, for all Kurds worldwide who support me, especially those in Germany,” he said.
He emphasized his commitment to revitalizing German boxing.
“Boxing in Germany needs passion, clarity, and consistent support for young fighters. If we rebuild major events here, and if athletes like me compete internationally while staying rooted at home, German boxing will be great again.”
Facing Another Undefeated Opponent
His opponent, Damian Knyba, enters the bout with a flawless record of 17 wins, 11 by knockout. Kabayel said this pushes him to sharpen every aspect of preparation.
“Against an undefeated opponent, you must be perfectly prepared—physically, technically, and mentally. And I think about what I represent: my two nations, my family, my team. That responsibility makes me stronger.”
Representing Kurdistan on the World Stage
Kabayel is sponsored by Visit Kurdistan, the tourism and heritage promotion organization, and visited the Kurdistan Region last April.
“It means an incredible amount to me to represent my people. I am proud to be a Kurd – proud of my heritage and of the Kurdish people who have supported me from the beginning. When I step into the ring, I carry Kurdistan in my heart.”
He thanked Visit Kurdistan for its support.
“They stand behind my vision to bring our country onto the world’s biggest stages. God willing, I will represent Kurdistan honorably there.”
Kabayel ended with a message for Kurds around the world:
“Origin is not a limitation – it is strength. I want Kurds everywhere to see: yes, we are here, we are strong, and we belong on the world stage.”
The Prestige of the WBC Title
The World Boxing Council (WBC) is widely considered the most respected and historically significant governing body in global boxing. Its heavyweight champions include some of the sport’s greatest legends:
Muhammad Ali, Mike Tyson, Lennox Lewis, Deontay Wilder, Tyson Fury and more.
Holding a WBC belt, even the Interim title, places AGIT Kabayel on the doorstep of a full world championship shot.
An Interim WBC Heavyweight title is awarded when the reigning world champion is inactive or unable to defend. It positions the interim champion as the next in line for a mandatory fight for the full title, making Kabayel one of the top ranked heavyweights in the world today.
Defending this belt successfully could cement his claim for a world title fight later in 2025
A Fight With Global Eyes Watching
The upcoming bout in Oberhausen will be closely watched by boxing analysts worldwide. A win could secure Kabayel a mandatory shot at the full WBC Heavyweight World Championship—placing a Kurdish-German fighter within touching distance of becoming the next heavyweight world champion.
For many fans, Kabayel represents more than a fighter; he is a symbol of identity, pride, and possibility.
