Vinny's Corner

The heavyweight division is heating up in 2026, and this weekend’s clash between Agit Kabayel and Damian Knyba promises to deliver the kind of raw power and tactical intrigue that boxing fans crave.

With both fighters boasting perfect records, expect fireworks in a division that’s seen its share of upsets lately. Today I’ll break down the fighters, share my official pick, and tell you exactly where to catch the action.

Agit Kabayel, at 33 years old, enters the ring with an impeccable 26-0 record, including 18 knockouts. Born in Bochum, Germany, in 1992, Kabayel turned pro in 2011 and has steadily climbed the ranks, capturing the WBC Interim Heavyweight Title in 2025 and establishing himself as a dark horse in a division dominated by bigger names like Fury and Usyk. He’s not your typical one-punch knockout artist—his strength lies in a relentless, high-volume approach that wears opponents down over the rounds. Kabayel excels in close-quarters combat, using sharp inside fighting to break through defenses and accumulate damage. His footwork is solid, allowing him to control the pace, and he’s shown resilience in tough spots, bouncing back from early pressure to dominate later.

Breaking Down the Fighters

That said, Kabayel isn’t without vulnerabilities. He’s faced criticism for lacking that devastating power punch that ends fights in a flash, relying instead on attrition—which could be a risk against a taller, longer foe who keeps him at bay.

His experience against top-tier opposition is growing, but he’s yet to face a true giant like Knyba, which might test his ability to close the distance without eating heavy counters. Still, with a home crowd roaring behind him, Kabayel thrives under pressure, and his undefeated streak speaks to his consistency and ring IQ.

On the other side, 29-year-old Damian Knyba brings a towering presence to the fight. Standing at 6’7″ with an 86-inch reach, the “Polish Hussar” from Bydgoszcz, Poland, is a physical specimen who’s gone 17-0 with 11 knockouts since turning pro in 2021. Signed with Top Rank, Knyba has been fast-tracked through the ranks, showcasing a classic big-man style: long jabs to control range, heavy right hands, and a willingness to mix it up when needed.

His most recent outing in October 2025 saw him stop veteran Joey Dawejko via seventh-round TKO, proving he can handle durable opponents and finish strong.

Knyba’s strengths are obvious, his size and reach give him a natural edge in keeping shorter fighters like Kabayel (who’s around 6’3″) at arm’s length, turning bouts into jab-and-grab affairs where he can pick shots from distance. 

He’s got solid power, with a KO rate over 64%, and his youth could translate to better stamina in the later rounds. However, his relative inexperience is a glaring weakness; with only 17 pro fights under his belt, he hasn’t faced the caliber of opposition that Kabayel has. Knyba can be hittable if opponents slip inside his reach, and he’s shown vulnerability to cuts and pressure in the past, like in his bout against Andrzej Wawrzyk where he had to rally back. If Kabayel turns this into a phone-booth brawl, Knyba’s height might become a liability rather than an asset.

The Matchup..

This fight boils down to a classic stylistic clash: Kabayel’s pressure and inside game against Knyba’s reach and power. Kabayel will need to use his superior footwork to cut off the ring and force exchanges up close, where his volume punching can overwhelm the Pole. Knyba, meanwhile, must establish his jab early and use his height to keep things at range, landing those big rights to deter Kabayel’s advances. The undercard adds extra flavor, featuring bouts like Granit Shala vs. Petar Milas in the heavyweight division, Jadier Herrera defending a lightweight interim title against Ricardo Nunez, and even Roman Fury (Tyson’s half-brother) facing Steffan Hughes. It’s a stacked event that could set the tone for heavyweight action in 2026.

My Official Pick: Kabayel UD

While Knyba’s size makes him a intriguing underdog, I see Kabayel’s experience and home advantage carrying the day. The German’s relentless style should allow him to weather early storms, close the gap, and outwork Knyba over 12 rounds. Don’t expect a knockout—Kabayel grinds out a unanimous decision victory, retaining his interim title and positioning himself for a shot at the big boys like Joshua or Dubois. That said, if Knyba lands clean early, we could see an upset that shakes up the division.

Where to watch

The event streams live exclusively on DAZN for subscribers worldwide, with no traditional TV broadcast mentioned. 

In the UK and US, it’s available via your DAZN subscription: starting at £14.99 per month or £119.99 annually. Globally, the same applies, though it’s on DAZN pay-per-view in Germany. 

The undercard kicks off at 7pm GMT (2pm ET / 11am PT), with main event ring walks around 9:45pm GMT (4:45pm ET / 1:45pm PT). Don’t miss what could be the first major heavyweight statement of the year.

By Vincent

Photo courtesy of Queensberry