Agit Kabayel vs. Damian Knyba: Who holds the edge for the WBC Interim Title?

Heavyweight boxing is finally heading back to Germany, and it’s bringing a massive stylistic puzzle with it. On January 10, 2026, the Rudolf Weber-Arena in Oberhausen will host a fascinating clash for the WBC Interim Heavyweight Title. Local favorite Agit Kabayel is set to defend his strap against the towering, undefeated Pole, Damian Knyba. It’s one of those fights that makes you scratch your head—is Kabayel just too seasoned, or is Knyba’s sheer size going to be a nightmare?

The German Machine vs. The Polish Giant

Agit Kabayel has been on an absolute tear lately. If you haven't been paying attention, the man basically dismantled the heavyweight "boogeymen" in back-to-back performances. He stopped Arslanbek Makhmudov, handled Frank Sanchez, and most recently, finished the massive Zhilei Zhang with a clinical liver shot in round six of their February 2025 clash in Riyadh. Standing roughly 6'3'', Kabayel isn't the most imposing figure in the division, but his engine is incredible. He works the body with surgical precision and moves with a fluidity that most big men just can’t replicate.

Then there’s Damian Knyba. Damian Knyba is a physical outlier in every sense, standing 6'9'' with a massive 86-inch reach—one of the longest in boxing today. While he hasn't faced the same level of opposition as Kabayel, he’s coming off a very busy 2025. The year ended on a high note for him with an October TKO victory over Joey Dawejko, proving he’s ready for the spotlight. Interestingly, he's trained by Shaun George, who also trains Zhilei Zhang—the man Kabayel just beat. Talk about a revenge plot, right?

Stylistic Chaos and the Betting Angle

Can Knyba actually keep the champion at the end of his jab? It’s a tough ask. Kabayel’s specialty is getting inside and making life miserable for taller guys. He’s already shown he can chop down giants by targeting the midsection until they fold. However, the heavyweight division is notoriously unpredictable. One clean shot from a man Knyba’s size changes everything in a heartbeat.

This inherent volatility is why UC betmakers often look past simple stylistic logic, weighing long-term durability and 'engine' more heavily when setting these odds. If you look at the stats, Kabayel is the heavy favorite for a reason, but Knyba’s reach is a variable that’s hard to ignore until the first bell rings. The 29-year-old challenger carries that "nothing to lose" energy that makes underdogs dangerous. Plus, let's not forget Knyba has logged rounds sparring with guys like Oleksandr Usykand Dubois—he's seen world-class power before.

What’s Really at Stake?

This isn't just about a belt. The winner is effectively the next man in line for the "big" WBC title, which Kabayel hopes will lead to a mandatory challenge against Oleksandr Usyk. For Kabayel, it’s a homecoming defense to cement his status as a world-class elite and perhaps secure a huge 2026 showdown. This event is being touted as the biggest boxing night in Germany since the Klitschko era, so the pressure is immense. For Knyba, it’s the ultimate shortcut to the top. If he wins, he doesn't just take the belt; he takes Kabayel’s momentum and his seat at the high-stakes table.

Do you think Knyba’s height and reach will actually bother Kabayel, or is the champion just on another level right now? Drop a comment and let us know your prediction for January 10!