Kabayel brutally knocks out Sanchez inside the boxing arena.
Boxer Agit Kabayel delivers an outstanding performance in his most significant fight yet, defeating Cuban Frank Sanchez in Riyadh. This victory puts him on track for his first world championship bout.
In his second showcase on the major boxing stage, Kabayel, a 31-year-old heavyweight from Wattenscheid, made an impact once more by beating Russian knockout artist Arslanbek Makhmudov in December. This past Saturday, with renowned personalities like former world champion Anthony Joshua and soccer superstar Cristiano Ronaldo in attendance, Kabayel earned his 25th professional win while remaining unbeaten. Sanchez, a former top-ranked heavyweight, served as a warm-up for the high-profile clash between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk.
After the match, Kabayel shared his excitement by stating, "We made it. I'm very happy. We worked hard for this opportunity." While tiptoeing around potential future matches against Fury or Usyk, he regarded this victory as "another step in my career." Before discussing his future, the boxer planned to return home and be with his family.
Commanding Performance
The fight kickstarted with a cautious first round, which quickly transitioned into a dominant display from Kabayel. He followed his trainer Sükru Aksu's game plan, focusing on consistent, controlled offense. Aksu had warned of the difficulties facing heavyweights attempting to defeat Cuban boxers, comparing them to the unpredictability of Brazilian soccer teams. To avoid risking injury from counterattacks, Kabayel maintained a busy, consistent attack, targeting both the body and head.
Just a few days before the fight, Aksu gave ntv.de an overview of their strategy, emphasizing the need for measured aggression and awareness. After six rounds, Sanchez was drained, allowing Kabayel to secure the win in the following round with a liver hook. While the Cuban rallied briefly, his comeback was short-lived.
Under the Radar
Upon winning, Kabayel proved himself capable of handling any opponent, thanks to the meticulous preparation by his coach Aksu. Sanchez, however, struggled against the elevated level of competition and found himself outmatched. About Kabayel's prospects for overcoming Usyk or Fury, Armbruster admitted that he exhibited the talent but acknowledged the daunting challenge ahead: "He'll need to go the extra mile."
Kabayel has limited time to prepare for a potential championship run. The rematch between Fury and Usyk is scheduled for October, with a potential fight against Kabayel in 2025. Depending on his post-match recovery, Kabayel should prioritize a full workout routine before making plans for upcoming bouts. "He must remain active while boxing consistently against top-tier opponents and refining his style," Armbruster suggested. Ultimately, Kabayel looks to capitalize on his impressive run and secure a formidable place in the upcoming Wattenscheid match.
Onto the Next Chapter
After such a remarkable win, Wattenscheid's own boxer Agit Kabayel stands on the cusp of even greater achievements. Post-match rest and reflection precede his next journey in the boxing world.
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In his latest performance, Kabayel once again showcased his boxing skills, dominating the ring against Sanchez. Following their highly anticipated match, Kabayel expressed his desire to face tougher opponents, such as Tyson Fury or Oleksandr Usyk.
Source: www.ntv.de
