Event Overview
The main event is a 12-round heavyweight contest for the WBC Interim Heavyweight Title, with champion Agit Kabayel making his first defense against unbeaten challenger Damian Knyba. This clash of undefeated heavyweights pits Kabayel’s proven elite-level experience and body-attack pressure against Knyba’s size, reach, and rising momentum in a homecoming bout for the German champion that could position the winner closer to an undisputed title shot.
Venue Location: Rudolf Weber Arena, Oberhausen, Germany. This 12,650-capacity venue in the Ruhr region is a boxing stronghold, previously hosting major German events and known for its passionate crowds, especially for local heroes like Kabayel.
Ringwalks begin at 4:00 PM CET (local time; 10:00 AM ET / 7:00 AM PT), with the main event ringwalk expected around 9:00-10:00 PM CET (3:00-4:00 PM ET / 12:00-1:00 PM PT). The event streams live worldwide on DAZN.
Injury Report
Agit Kabayel — No reported injuries heading into the fight. Kabayel has been fully active in camp with no setbacks noted.
Damian Knyba — No current injuries. Knyba overcame an injury-plagued 2024 but has been healthy and active in 2025, with no issues reported for this bout.
Fighter Matchups and Profiles
This orthodox-vs-orthodox heavyweight showdown contrasts Kabayel’s relentless pressure, body punching, and proven chin against Knyba’s significant size advantage and jab-from-range approach. Knyba holds edges in height (6’7″ vs. 6’3″) and reach (86″ vs. 80″), potentially allowing him to box from distance, while Kabayel’s work rate and inside game could neutralize that if he closes the gap.
Agit Kabayel (26-0-0, 18 KOs):
Background — 33-year-old orthodox fighter from Bochum, Germany (born in Leverkusen). Known for his high-volume body attacks, durability, and ability to break down elite opponents, Kabayel has emerged as one of the division’s top contenders with upset wins in high-profile settings.
Notable Achievements — Current WBC interim heavyweight champion (won via KO over Zhilei Zhang in Feb 2025); former European heavyweight champion; ranked top-5 across major bodies.
Damian Knyba (17-0-0, 11 KOs):
Background — 29-year-old orthodox fighter from Bydgoszcz, Poland (based in New Jersey, USA), nicknamed “Polish Hussar.” A tall, athletic heavyweight with strong amateur roots, Knyba uses his jab and reach effectively while developing power; signed with Top Rank.
Notable Achievements — Undefeated pro with growing knockout streak; former Polish national champion as amateur; rising prospect challenging for his first world title.
Recent Form
Kabayel enters on a dominant run against top-tier opposition, while Knyba has built momentum with stoppages but against lesser-tested foes.
Agit Kabayel’s Recent 5 Fights:
| Date | Opponent | Result | Method/Notes |
| Feb 2025 | Zhilei Zhang | Win | KO 6 (won interim WBC title; survived KD) |
| May 2024 | Frank Sanchez | Win | TKO 7 (dropped twice) |
| Dec 2023 | Arslanbek Makhmudov | Win | TKO 4 (three KDs) |
| Mar 2023 | Agron Smakici | Win | TKO 3 |
| May 2022 | Pavel Sour | Win | UD 12 |
Kabayel is 5-0 in his last five, all against strong competition, with three stoppages showcasing his elite-level finishing ability.
Damian Knyba’s Recent 5 Fights:
| Date | Opponent | Result | Method/Notes |
| Oct 2025 | Joey Dawejko | Win | TKO 7 |
| 2025 | Marcin Siwy | Win | KO |
| 2025 | Andrzej Wawrzyk | Win | KO |
| 2023/2024 | Curtis Harper | Win | TKO 8 |
| Earlier | Various | Wins | Stoppages/building record |
Knyba is unbeaten with recent stoppages, showing improved power and activity after a quieter 2024.
Fight History
Head-to-Head: First meeting; no common opponents. Kabayel has faced (and beaten) much higher-level competition, while Knyba’s resume is against journeymen and regional foes.
FIGHT ODDS
Agit Kabayel – 2000
Damian Knyba + 900
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, January 9, 2025
