Kabayel’s Pressure-Based Approach
Kabayel’s victories over Arslanbek Makhmudov, Frank Sanchez, and Zhilei Zhang were earned through sustained, grinding pressure. Kabayel closes space with purpose, digging into the body early, staying there, and forcing opponents to carry the kind of weight they don’t want. Against Zhang, the Chinese fighter wasn’t overwhelmed by one shot but worn down through cumulative damage. Kabayel’s ability to force his opponents to fight his fight is a key component of his approach. His opponents don’t fight cleanly; they react. By the middle rounds, Kabayel owns the inside, places heavy bodyshots, and the damage is already done.
Damian Knyba arrives with an undefeated record, but the problem is he’s untested against anyone of Kabayel’s calibre. For Kabayel, this is about how he can win. He’s expected to take care of 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 stage, wins alone won’t cut it. Kabayel must demonstrate his ongoing progression and relevance.
Looking Ahead: Usyk, Itauma, and a Clear Task
Kabaye’s ambitions are well known. He’s mentioned his desire to face Oleksandr Usyk, but that fight is far from guaranteed. Usyk, having vacated a mandatory defense, has made it clear that the room for new challengers is closing fast. If Kabayel is to have any shot at a title, he must continue to dominate what’s left open in the division.
One such challenge may come in the form of Moses Itauma, a young, dangerous fighter. Kabayel hasn’t shied away from that risk, seeing fights like these as essential for remaining 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. Tonight, Kabayel must reinforce his position by showing he can handle the next wave of heavyweights without hesitation.
Date: January 10Venue: Rudolf Weber Arena, OberhausenLocal Start Time: 6:00 pm CETUSA Time: 12:00 pm ETUK Time: 5:00 pm
Weights:Agit Kabayel: 240 lbs (109.7 kg)Damian Knyba: 239 lbs (108.4 kg)Granit Shala 256 vs Peter Milas 240Jadier Herrera 134.4 vs Ricardo Nuñez 134.4Roman Fury 227 vs Kevin GreenwoodNelvie Tiafak 256 vs Piotr Cwik 276
/16x9%20single%20image%20-%202026-02-21T102613.146.webp?ssl=1 "5 key questions that need answering after the second 2026 pre-season test in Bahrain")
