The 33-year-old last fought on January 10, stopping Damian Knyba in the third round at the Rudolf Weber-Arena in Oberhausen. Knyba had early success with his height and jab before Kabayel closed the distance and forced the stoppage. The result gave Kabayel six consecutive wins inside the distance.
His earlier run included stoppages of Arslanbek Makhmudov, Frank Sánchez and Zhilei Zhang. Those wins established Kabayel as a leading heavyweight, but they did not make him a full world champion inside the ring.
Kabayel Still Needs a Championship Win
A mental asterisk remains beside the WBC belt because Kabayel inherited it when Usyk vacated. He is in a similar position to WBA champion Murat Gassiev. Both possess recognized belts, but neither is broadly regarded as the division’s true champion.
Warren offered no indication of who Kabayel will face. To change that perception, the German needs someone from the level of Moses Itauma, Tyson Fury, Joseph Parker or Fabio Wardley. A title fight with Sánchez also carries credibility, although Kabayel already stopped the Cuban in 2024.
Landing any of those names next looks unlikely. Itauma is fighting Filip Hrgovic for the vacant IBF belt, with Sánchez due to face the winner. Wardley is tied to his second fight with Daniel Dubois, while Fury is being lined up for a November return. Parker has the necessary quality, but Warren gave no indication that negotiations are taking place.
That leaves Kabayel in danger of facing a lower-ranked opponent in Germany. Such a fight may sell tickets and keep him active, but it will not alter how his championship reign is viewed.
Kabayel does his best work by closing the distance, attacking the body and forcing opponents backward. Knyba showed that a tall heavyweight can catch him while he works his way inside. An opponent capable of punching while retreating, tying him up at close range and surviving the early body attack represents the type of test his new status requires.
Germany has its biggest heavyweight attraction in years, but holding the green belt is only the beginning. Until Kabayel beats a serious contender with the WBC title at stake, that qualification will remain.
