Zhilei Zhang and Agit Kabayel co-star in a heavyweight banger for the WBC Interim Title this Saturday in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
‘Big Bang’ Zhang has become one of the most watchable fighters in the sport of boxing’s top division, really putting himself on the map with two bruising knockout wins over Brit Joe Joyce. Though Zhang then would lost on points to Joseph Parker, a fifth round stoppage of Deontay Wilder to follow put him back at the top table.
Now, he faces Kabayel, who lay dormant in the division for some years before early finishes against Arslanbek Makhmudov and Frank Sanchez had fans and matchmakers take notice.
Kabayel’s performances on the big stage are a far cry from his forgettable affair against Brit Derek Chisora back in 2017 for the European tile. The German won a majority decision in Monaco.
Now, Chisora will be ringside to watch his old foe attempt to avoid the power punches of Zhang. The fan-favourite told Seconds Out that he feels if the Chinese southpaw’s gas tank isn’t up to scratch – which it has shown not to be in the past – he will be stopped by Germany’s Kabayel.
“I think I’m more excited about the Chinese power and Kabayel. I think if Zhang gasses out, he’s gonna get knocked out.”
The winner of the bout will be first in line to challenge for Oleksandr Usyk’s WBC belt, though is unlikely to skip the queue ahead of IBF Champion Daniel Dubois, who looks set for an undisputed clash after pulling out of this card due to a viral infection.
