The German heavyweight boxer Agit Kabayel defeated the Pole Damian Knyba by technical knockout in the third round in Oberhausen. The 33-year-old from Bochum also defended his interim World Championship belt from the WBC Association in the sold-out Rudolf Weber Arena and celebrated his 27th professional victory. With this victory, Kabayel remains undefeated for almost three years.

Against Knyba, who was about ten centimeters taller, Kabayel suffered a cut above his right eye in the first round. The Pole took advantage of his greater reach and rarely let the German get into the internal fight. But Kabayel adapted better and kept hitting his opponent until the referee stopped the fight in the third round.

Mandatory challenger to the world’s best

“What an atmosphere. We made a statement. We showed that German boxing is alive,” Kabayel shouted to the 13,000 spectators in the sold-out arena after his victory.

With his victory, Kabayel secured his status as the official mandatory challenger to the world’s top heavyweights. A fight against the undefeated champion Alexander Ussyk from Ukraine has not yet taken place. If he also beats Ussyk, Kabayel will become only the second German heavyweight to win the world title. Max Schmeling got the first one more than 95 years ago.