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Tonight’s fight could define Kabayel’s future in the heavyweight division

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5 months ago

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Image: Kabayel vs. Knyba: Tonight’s Fight Could Define Kabayel’s Heavyweight Future

Kabayel pressure approach

Kabayel’s victories over Arslanbek Makhmudov, Frank Sanchez and Zhilei Zhang were achieved through constant, fierce pressure. Kabayel deliberately closes space by getting into the body early, staying there, and forcing opponents to carry weight they don’t want. In the fight against Zhang, the Chinese fighter was not overwhelmed by a single shot, but exhausted by accumulating damage. Kabayel’s ability to force opponents to fight is a key element of his approach. His opponents do not fight cleanly; they react. In the middle rounds, Kabayel is already in possession of the middle, landing ponderous body shots and the damage is already done.

Damian Knyba arrives with an undefeated record, but the problem is that he hasn’t been tested against anyone of Kabayel’s caliber. What matters to Kabayel is how he can win. He is expected to rule over Knyba. A lesser result would be considered a setback in his career and a sign that he may no longer be among the top heavyweights. At this stage, victories alone are not enough. Kabayel must demonstrate continued progress and relevance.

Looking to the future: Usyk, Itauma and a clear task

Kabaye’s ambitions are well known. He mentioned that he would like to fight Oleksandr Usyk, but this fight is not guaranteed. Usyk, who missed the mandatory defense, made it clear that the space for novel challengers was quickly closing. If Kabayel is to have any chance of winning the title, it must continue to dominate in the league that remains open.

One such challenge may be the character of Moses Itauma, a youthful and hazardous warrior. Kabayel did not shy away from this risk, considering such fights necessary to remain relevant. The best way to climb the rankings is to stay energetic against fighters who want to challenge you, even if the titles are out of reach. Tonight, Kabayel needs to strengthen his position by showing that he can handle another wave of heavyweights without hesitation.

Date: January 10
Premises: Rudolf Weber Arena in Oberhausen
Local start time: 18:00 Central European Time
United States Time: 12:00 EST
UK time: 17:00

Scales:
Agit Kabayel: 240 pounds (109.7 kg)
Damian Knyba: 239 pounds (108.4 kg)
Granit Shala 256 vs. Peter Milas 240
Jadier Herrera 134.4 vs. Ricardo Nuñez 134.4
Roman Fury 227 vs. Kevin Greenwood
Nelvie Tiafak 256 vs. Piotr Cwik 276

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Boxing

Elijah Holyfield wins his WWE Evolve debut with an Uppercut Finisher

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1 hour ago

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June 5, 2026

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Elijah Holyfield, son of former undisputed heavyweight champion Evander Holyfield, won his first WWE Evolve match on June 3, defeating Kai Kavari in the company’s developmental program.

According to material published by Bleacher ReportHolyfield ended the fight with a right hand and pinned Kavari. WWE calls the finisher “The Uppercut”, a move modeled after his father’s boxing. Pro Wrestling Dot Net reported that the fight lasted 1 minute and 14 seconds.

According to SEScoops, Holyfield went through a series of Stinger Splashes and Spinebusters before delivering the final blow.

His father, a former cruiserweight and heavyweight world champion and member of the International Boxing Hall of Fame, built much of his ring identity on body striking and combination work during a career spanning the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s.

From the NFL to the ring

Holyfield’s path to WWE didn’t go through boxing. He played running back at the University of Georgia and signed with the Carolina Panthers as an undrafted free agent in 2019 and later spent time with the Philadelphia Eagles and Cincinnati Bengals. He appeared in one regular-season NFL game during the 2020 season.

A 2022 knee injury he suffered while on the Bengals’ roster ended his football career and redirected him toward wrestling.

WWE path

Holyfield signed a WWE developmental contract in November 2024. He competed in the first season of the WWE reality show LFG (Legends and Future Greats), where he mentored The Undertaker and earned a contract that placed him on the Evolve brand.

His ring debut was delayed due to injury. According to multiple wrestling outlets, he suffered a torn bicep in delayed 2025 and required surgery. He is 27 years ancient.

The June 3 episode of Evolve was taped at the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Florida and streamed on Tubi in the United States.

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Boxing

Katie Taylor says the September 5 fight will be her last

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3 hours ago

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June 5, 2026

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Image: Katie Taylor Says September 5 Fight Will Be Her Last

Katie Taylor’s farewell fight is now official.

On Thursday, Matchroom Boxing announced that Taylor will return to Dublin’s Croke Park on September 5 to defend her WBO, WBA, IBF and Ring Magazine titles against undefeated French challenger Flora Pili. The vacant WBC title is also at stake, giving Taylor a chance to become a three-time undisputed champion.


The event will be broadcast live worldwide on DAZN and is expected to attract over 80,000 fans to Ireland’s national stadium.

“It seems like the perfect way to end – to become Undisputed Champion once again on our national stadium that holds such a special place in Irish hearts. I’m grateful that this is happening and I can’t thank the people of this country enough for the support I’ve received over the years.

“People have traveled all over the world following my career and I hope I can return the favor with a confident performance on September 5. I have no illusions that Flora will pose a very arduous challenge; she is undefeated as a professional and has a good amateur pedigree, so I have the utmost respect for her.

“I have been blessed to have achieved more in this sport than I could have ever dreamed of, but fighting in Croke Park is truly the icing on the cake. I hope this event inspires a whole recent generation to take up sport and follow their passions.”

Taylor enters the fight with a 25-1 record. The event, which will take place on September 5, will be the first professional boxing event held in Croke Park since Muhammad Ali fought Alvin Lewis there in 1972.

Pili brings an undefeated record of 12-0 to the fight and will be looking for the biggest victory of his career. Tickets go on sale June 12 via Ticketmaster, with pre-sales starting earlier this week.

If successful, Taylor will retire as a three-time undisputed champion.

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Last update: 2026/06/05 at 11:27

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Boxing

‘Rico’s eighth place in the rankings is crazy’ – three leapfrogged WBC heavyweights want Verhoeven next

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4 hours ago

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June 5, 2026

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Rico Verhoeven appears behind heavyweight contenders Andrii Novytskyi, Labinot Xhoxhaj and Guido Vianello after the WBC elevated the Dutch kickboxing champion to number eight in its heavyweight rankings.

World Boxing News spoke to three heavyweights who sacrificed themselves in the WBC rankings to give Rico Verhoeven his due for pushing Oleksandr Usyk to the eleventh round.

The Dutch kickboxing superstar debuted at number eight in the latest WBC heavyweight rankings, despite having only boxed twice as a professional.

The decision pushed several established contenders down the list, including undefeated Ukrainian Andrii Novytskyi, European champion Labinot Xhoxhaj and Italian challenger Guido Vianello.

“It’s My Time”

After Verhoeven’s arrival, Novytskyi dropped to twelfth place.

The 30-year-old Ukrainian is undefeated with a record of 16-0 and 12 knockouts, and gained momentum thanks to victories over Alexander Flores and David Zegarra.

When asked about Verhoeven’s ranking, Nowycki told WBN: “I think it’s my time to fight Rico.”

“Number Eight Is Crazy”

Vianello was even more candid.

The Italian heavyweight, who has wins over Arslanbek Makhmudov and Alexis Barriere, questions Verhoeven’s position while praising his performance against Usyk.

“Rico eighth in the WBC rankings is crazy!” Vianello told World Boxing News.

“I can fight him wherever and whenever he wants.

“In the match against Usyk, he deserved to continue the fight for another round and not be stopped.

“Now he can fight me.”

Vianello became the first ranked heavyweight to openly question Verhoeven’s stance while also volunteering to fight him.

Many observers felt the Dutchman had exceeded expectations in Egypt. Others are not convinced that a single professional defeat should give him an advantage over established rivals.

Mark Robinson

Ready for anything

In the latest rankings, Xhoxhaj ranks lower than Verhoeven, even though he holds the European heavyweight title.

The Kosovo-born contender, who boasts a record of 22-0-1 and 17 knockouts, has made it clear that he is open to any opportunity that comes his way.

“I’m prepared for anything, whether it’s Rico Verhoeven or not,” Xhoxhaj told WBN.

Next move

It’s clear from the comments that all three men currently ranked below Verhoeven would welcome the opportunity to test the former GLORY champion.

The WBC has already praised Verhoeven’s performance in the fight against Usyk, while BoxRec assessed his place among heavyweight contenders in a much less favorable manner.

All three will face Verhoeven in the blink of an eye.

It remains debatable whether Rico will risk losing to another challenger ahead of his proposed rematch with Usyk.

About the author

Phil Jay is the editor-in-chief of World Boxing News (WBN) and a boxing veteran with over 15 years of experience. Read the full biography.

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