Tonight’s fight could define Kabayel’s heavyweight future

Kabayel’s pressure-based approach

Kabayel’s victories over Arslanbek Makhmudov, Frank Sanchez and Zhilei Zhang were achieved through sustained and intense pressure. Kabayel closes space with determination, driving into the body early, staying there and forcing his opponents to carry the kind of weight they don’t want. Against Zhang, the Chinese fighter was not overwhelmed by a single shot but exhausted by the cumulative damage. Kabayel’s ability to force his opponents to fight his fight is a key part of his approach. His opponents do not fight cleanly; they react. In the middle of the rounds, Kabayel owns the inside, lands heavy body shots and the damage is already done.

Damian Knyba comes in with an undefeated record, but the problem is he hasn’t been tested against someone of Kabayel’s caliber. For Kabayel, it’s about knowing how to win. He is expected to handle Knyba with authority. Anything less would be considered a stall in his career, a sign that he may no longer belong in the big heavyweight group. At this point, wins alone won’t be enough. Kabayel must demonstrate his continued progress and relevance.

Looking ahead: Usyk, Itauma and a clear task

Kabaye’s ambitions are known. He has spoken about his desire to face Oleksandr Usyk, but that fight is far from guaranteed. Usyk, having left a mandatory defense, made it clear that the place for new challengers is rapidly shrinking. If Kabayel is to have any chance of winning the title, he must continue to dominate what is left open in the division.

One such challenge could come in the form of Moses Itauma, a young and dangerous fighter. Kabayel did not hesitate to take this risk, viewing fights like these as essential to remaining relevant. The best way to climb the rankings is to stay active against fighters ready to challenge you, even if the titles are out of reach. Tonight, Kabayel must strengthen his position by showing that he can take on the next wave of heavyweights without hesitation.

Date: January 10
Place: Rudolf Weber Stadium, Oberhausen
Local start time: 6:00 p.m. (Paris time)
US time: 12:00 p.m. ET
UK time: 5:00 p.m.

Weight :
Agit Kabayel: 240 lb (109.7 kg)
Damian Knyba: 239 pounds (108.4 kg)
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