Perhaps Agit Kabayel has finally given Zhilei Zhang a reason to consider retirement. In what many expected to be a long, drawn-out battle, the Kurd-German heavyweight delivered a stunning finish in the sixth round with a crushing body shot. With his 26th professional win, Kabayel – now the WBC interim heavyweight champion – is firmly positioned to shake up the division.
Reactions to Zhang’s defeat have been widespread, but one of the most talked-about responses came from Claressa Shields. The Flint native, fresh off a recent victory over Danielle Perkins, couldn’t contain her shock. Agit Kabayel received his new belt from none other than reigning champion Oleksandr Usyk, a gesture widely praised and even sparking discussions about a potential showdown between the two champions.
Claressa Shields can’t believe Agit Kabayel’s dominance
“Whatttttttttttttttttt.” That was Claressa Shields’ reaction in a Twitter post. The Ring Magazine also shared a striking image of Usyk personally placing the WBC belt around Kabayel’s waist, fueling even more buzz and speculation.
Whatttttttttttttttttt
— Claressa Gwoat Shields (@Claressashields) February 22, 2025
Given how Kabayel knocked out Zhang, most fans lavished praises on his refined boxing skills, in particular his ability to move across the ring and the range of body shots he could deliver. In the end, that’s what dismantled the ‘Big Bang,’ Zhang.
“I got the same reaction lol,” one fan couldn’t disagree with Claressa Shields, it appears. With Kabayel’s emphatic victory, the heavyweight division appears more open than ever. And let’s not forget, another high-stakes heavyweight clash is set to unfold at ‘The Last Crescendo‘ – Martin Bakole vs. Joseph Parker.
Heavyweight Division on Notice: Agit Kabayel’s Rise
As is often the case in a Zhilei Zhang fight, the Chinese powerhouse managed to score a knockdown in the fifth round. However, he failed to capitalize on it. Kabayel remained composed and continued to dominate. The decisive moment arrived in the sixth round. As Zhang was cornered, Kabayel unleashed a piercing body shot in close quarters, sending ‘Big Bang’ to his knees. The pain was unmistakable, and as the referee began his count, Zhang knew his night was over – he never made it back to his feet. The celebrations in Kabayel’s corner were electric.
“I am ready for a world title shot!”
Agit Kabayel REACTS to his stoppage victory over Zhilei Zhang #BeterbievBivol2 | #RiyadhSeason | Sky Sports Box Office pic.twitter.com/qgExHvVEFx
— Sky Sports Boxing (@SkySportsBoxing) February 22, 2025
With his dominant seventh-round KO victory over Frank Sanchez back in May during the Ring of Fire event, Kabayel has officially put the heavyweight division on notice. He is no longer a name that can be ignored.
His win over Zhang serves as a statement. With Tyson Fury contemplating retirement and the 38-year-old Usyk nearing the twilight of his legendary career, heavyweight boxing is on the brink of a new era. The division is already seeing fresh contenders like Daniel Dubois and Martin Bakole rise to prominence – and now, Agit Kabayel may have just secured his place among them.
What are your thoughts? Is Agit Kabayel ready to make a run for the world title?
The post Claressa Shields Sums Up Agit Kabayel’s KO Win vs. Zhilei Zhang in One Word as Oleksandr Usyk Do the Honors appeared first on EssentiallySports.
