Zhilei Zhang vs Agit Kabayel Preview & Picks
Agit Kabayel is backed to win the interim WBC world heavyweight title on points.
Kabayel has the footwork, movement and cardio to avoid getting drawn into a firefight with the much heavier-handed Zhilei Zhang.
- Agit Kabayel has a perfect 25-0 record
- Agit Kabayel holds decision wins over 2 former world title challengers
- Zhilei Zhang’s 2 previous losses came via decision
Zhilei Zhang Form
Zhilei Zhang is a former interim WBO world heavyweight champion with a professional record of 27-2 (22 KOs) with 1 draw.
Zhang made his debut in August 2014 but did not become a notable name in the division until his decision defeat to Filip Hrgovic in August 2022.
He rebounded in emphatic fashion though as he knocked out Joe Joyce in the sixth round to win the interim WBO title the following April.
That was considered an upset, but ‘Big Bang’ proved it was no fluke that September as he took out Joyce again, this time inside three rounds.
Zhang’s wait for a world title fight continued despite those victories, and last year he suffered a setback.
The 41-year-old Chinese heavyweight defended his interim crown against former world champion Joseph Parker, and fell to a majority decision defeat.
He rebounded in June though, when he knocked out ex-WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder in the fifth round.
Agit Kabayel Form
Agit Kabayel is a former European heavyweight champion with a career record of 25-0 (17 KOs).
Kabayel made his professional debut back in 2011, despite fighting consistently it was not until February 2017 that he fought for the European crown.
He took his chance though, as he out-pointed Herve Hubeaux over 12 rounds to claim the vacant belt.
From there he made three successful defences of that title, including a majority decision victory over a British veteran, and former world title challenger, Derek Chisora.
Kabayel faced another former world title contender in June 2021, in the form of Kevin Johnson, and on that night he claimed a unanimous decision victory.
Since then he has showcased fight-finishing power, stopping each of his last four opponents.
The 32-year-old German heavyweight knocked out Pavel Sour in the first, Agron Smakici in the third, Arslanbek Makhmudov in the fourth and Frank Sanchez in the seventh.