Kabayel’s pressure-based approach
Kabayel’s wins over Arslanbek Makhmudov, Frank Sanchez and Zhilei Zhang were achieved through sustained, grinding pressure. Kabayel closes space with purpose, digs into the body early, stays there, and forces opponents to carry the kind of weight they don’t want. Against Zhang, the Chinese fighter was not overwhelmed by one shot, but worn down by cumulative damage. Kabayel’s ability to force his opponents to fight his battles is a key component of his approach. His opponents do not fight fair; they respond. By the middle rounds, Kabayel owns the inside, landing heavy body shots, and the damage is already done.
Damian Knyba arrives with an unbeaten record, but the problem is that he is untested against anyone of Kabayel’s caliber. For Kabayel, it’s about how he can win. He is expected to look after Knyba with authority. Anything less would be considered a stall in his career, a sign that he may no longer belong in the mix of top heavyweights. At this point, wins alone won’t cut it. Kabayel needs to demonstrate his continued progress and relevance.
Looking ahead: Usyk, Itauma and a clear task
Kabaye’s ambitions are well known. He mentioned his desire to face Oleksandr Usyk, but that fight is far from guaranteed. Usyk, after vacating a mandatory defense, made it clear that the space for new challengers is closing fast. If Kabayel is to have any shot at a title, he must continue to dominate what is open in the division.
One such challenge may come in the form of Moses Itauma, a young, dangerous fighter. Kabayel didn’t shy away from that risk, as fights like this are essential to staying relevant. The best way to climb the rankings is to stay active against fighters willing to challenge you, even if titles are out of reach. Kabayel needs to strengthen his position tonight by showing he can handle the next wave of heavyweights without hesitation.
Date: 10 January
Place: Rudolf Weber Arena, Oberhausen
Local start time: 18:00 CET
United States Time: 12:00 PM ET
UK time: 17:00
Weights:
Agit Kabayel: 240 lbs (109.7 kg)
Damian Knyba: 239 lbs (108.4 kg)
Granit Shala 256 vs Peter Milas 240
Jadier Herrera 134.4 vs. Ricardo Nuñez 134.4
Roman Fury 227 vs. Kevin Greenwood
Nelvie Tiafak 256 vs Piotr Cwik 276
