Agit Kabayel has officially become the WBC heavyweight champion of the world, ending Germany’s 94-year wait for a recognized heavyweight ruler after Oleksandr Usyk vacated the green and gold belt.

The unbeaten Kurdish-German was elevated after the WBC Board of Governors confirmed him as champion, with president Mauricio Sulaiman announcing the decision after speaking with Kabayel and his team.

“I just finished an incredibly sensitive Zoom video call with Agit Kabayel, George Warren, Spencer Brown and some WBC board members and have confirmed that Agit is the WBC Heavyweight champion of the world as per the WBC Board of Governors voting. Congratulations champ!” said Sulaiman.

For Kabayel, the announcement represented far more than winning a championship.

“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.

“Thank you to every single one of you for your support throughout this journey. This achievement belongs to all of us.

“I will do everything I can to hold this belt for a long time and add even more titles to my collection.”

Agit Kabayel earned his chance

Kabayel deserved his opportunity to wear the famous green and gold belt long before Usyk decided to relinquish it.

The 33-year-old fought his way into the mandatory position by tearing through three of the heavyweight division’s most dangerous contenders when many doubted he could do it.

Arslanbek Makhmudov, Frank Sanchez and Zhilei Zhang all entered their contests as genuine threats. All three were beaten convincingly as Kabayel proved he belonged among the elite.

Rather than facing his mandatory challenger, Usyk chose to vacate every heavyweight championship while announcing one final “Last Dance” before retirement.

It was only fitting that Kabayel inherited the famous green and gold belt after doing everything required to earn his opportunity.

A place in German boxing history

Beyond becoming a world champion, Kabayel has written himself into German sporting history.

The elevation makes him Germany’s first recognized heavyweight world champion since Max Schmeling in 1932, ending a 94-year wait for the nation’s most prestigious prize in boxing.

By inheriting the famous green and gold belt, Kabayel joins a heavyweight lineage stretching back to the era of Joe Louis. The championship may have arrived through elevation, but everything he achieved to reach this point was earned through sheer grit.

Kabayel also highlighted another landmark close to his heart by becoming the first Kurdish heavyweight world champion in history, repeating “Kurdish Power” across his social media posts following the announcement.

Reflecting on the achievement, Kabayel added: “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.

“This is my biggest dream coming true.

“But more than anything, I want to thank you, the fans. You supported me through every setback, every difficult moment and every step of this journey.

“I can never thank you enough for that. I’m forever grateful and excited for everything that still lies ahead of us.”

Boente hails ‘a moment for eternity’

The achievement was also celebrated by Bernd Boente, the former longtime manager and CEO of Klitschko Management Group who helped guide Wladimir and Vitali Klitschko through one of heavyweight boxing’s greatest eras and now works as a commentator for DAZN DACH.

Boente, who personally met Schmeling on several occasions, described Kabayel’s elevation as a defining moment for German boxing.

“Almost 100 years after Max Schmeling, Agit Kabayel is making German boxing history: Heavyweight World Champion! A moment for eternity. Respect!

“I’m proud that I had the opportunity to meet Max Schmeling personally several times and am now looking forward to following Agit’s journey closely as part of the DAZN DACH team.”

Boente’s reaction carried added significance after previously telling World Boxing News that Kabayel had long deserved his opportunity to fight for a world title while backing the unbeaten heavyweight to headline another major stadium event in Germany.

That opportunity has now become reality. Germany waited 94 years for another recognized heavyweight world champion. Kabayel’s first defense could now come against any number of leading contenders, with former champion Deontay Wilder and ex-cruiserweight ruler Lawrence Okolie among the names capable of launching Germany’s new heavyweight era on home soil.

The hard part was becoming champion. Now comes the challenge of building a reign to match the history he has already made.

About the Author

Phil Jay is the Editor-in-Chief of World Boxing News (WBN) and a veteran boxing reporter with 15+ years of experience. He has interviewed world champions, broken international exclusives, and reported ringside since 2010. Read full bio.