For generations, the heavyweight championship has represented boxing’s ultimate prize. On Saturday, that crown found a new home as Agit Kabayel became the first Kurdish heavyweight world champion in history, achieving a milestone that resonates far beyond the sport itself.
The undefeated Kurdish-German boxer announced on X that he is officially the new World Boxing Council (WBC) Heavyweight World Champion, making him not only the first Kurdish fighter to claim boxing’s most prestigious heavyweight title but also Germany’s first heavyweight world champion in nearly a century.
“Unbelievable. As of today, I am the WBC Heavyweight World Champion,” Kabayel wrote.
“The first Kurdish heavyweight world champion in history and the first German heavyweight world champion in almost 100 years. Words can’t describe what I am feeling right now.”
Thanking those who supported him throughout his journey, Kabayel vowed that the achievement was only the beginning.
“I will do everything I can to hold this belt for a long time and add even more titles to my collection,” he wrote.
Also in a post on Instagram, Kabayel reflected on the magnitude of the moment, saying he had fulfilled a childhood dream.
“Honestly, I don’t even know what to say. To be in the history books next to names like Muhammad Ali, Mike Tyson and so many other legends is something I dreamed about as a child.”
Unlike many heavyweight stars who emerged with considerable hype, Kabayel quietly climbed through the ranks over several years.
His disciplined style, tactical approach and undefeated record gradually established him as one of boxing’s most formidable heavyweights.
His elevation to full WBC world champion follows a major shift in the heavyweight division after Oleksandr Usyk chose to relinquish the WBC title rather than delay the division while preparing for what he described as the final fight of his career.
The decision officially elevated Kabayel from interim champion to full world champion, placing him at the pinnacle of the sport.
Kabayel’s achievement adds to an extraordinary summer for Kurdish athletes competing on the world stage.
His rise to heavyweight champion further highlights the growing international success of Kurdish sports figures, reinforcing the community’s presence across elite global competitions.
For Kabayel, however, the mission is far from complete. While becoming world champion fulfills a lifelong dream, the undefeated heavyweight has already made clear that his next objective is to defend the WBC crown and add more world titles to his collection.