Agit Kabayel captured the WBC ‘Interim’ heavyweight title with an impressive stoppage victory over Zhilei Zhang.
The 32-year-old from Germany weathered an early storm from the hard-hitting Chinaman which saw him suffer a heavy knockdown in the fifth round, although Zhang was visibly exhausted after a quick start to the bout.
Kabayel continued to soak up thunderous left hands from Zhang which could have put an end to the contest in a split second, before dropping the 40-year-old with a superb body shot in the sixth round to hand Zhang the first stoppage defeat of his career.
Here’s how some of the boxing world reacted to Kabayel’s standout performance:
Frank Warren
Well done, Agit Kabayel getting off the canvas to win!
Kabayel will fight anyone and is now the interim WBC champion. Ortiz vs Madrimov next; the fights keep coming.#TheLastCrescendo#BeterbievBivol2
— Frank Warren (@FrankWarren) February 22, 2025
Sam Jones
Zhang dangerous early but I fancy Kabayel to get the job done
— Sam Jones (@mrsamjones88) February 22, 2025
Tony Bellew
Kabayel trying to use the Joe Parker tactics against Zhang! It’s a lot easier talking about it than implementing it as you’re seeing here! Zhang is one of the biggest punchers in the world! Good fight this and looking like 2-1 after 3.. #KabayelZhang#TheLastCrescendo#DAZN
— Tony Bellew (@TonyBellew) February 22, 2025
Anthony Crolla
Went into the eye of the storm against Zhang and came through. 👏🏼 https://t.co/nhKIE4u2ok
— anthony crolla (@ant_crolla) February 22, 2025
Stephen Edwards
Kabayel has a nasty body attack. Best I've seen in a while. I'm curious as to how Zhang will hold up if it goes past 6.
— Stephen Edwards (@BreadmanBoxing) February 22, 2025
Ring Magazine
Oleksandr Usyk gives Agit Kabayel his new WBC 'interim' belt after his KO of Zhilei Zhang. pic.twitter.com/FoaC9Ypylp
— Ring Magazine (@ringmagazine) February 22, 2025
Dan Rafael
THAT'S IT! Kabayel beats down Zhang, body shots drop him and he is counted out in rd 6! He wins the vacant WBC interim heavyweight title. Huge win! #boxing#ZhangKabayel
— Dan Rafael (@DanRafael1) February 22, 2025
