Agit Kabayel stops Zhilei Zhang in hard-hitting heavyweight fight

With the WBC's interim heavyweight title at stake, and the fact that Zhang and Kabayel are heavy hitters, it was unlikely this fight would go the full distance. 

Zhang imposed himself in round one and established his power early. Zhang, who fights in a southpaw stance, was causing plenty of problems with his backhand and it surprised Kabayel who felt ‘Big Bang’s’ power early.

Kabayel stepped up in round two, being very active and landing numerous shots on to Zhang’s body. The Chinese heavyweight made sure to keep Kabayel on notice with an uppercut highlighting the danger if the German went toe-to-toe with Zhang for too long.

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Kabayel continued chop at Zhang’s body in rounds three and four, and this tactic was taking effect on Zhang who was taking deep breaths whenever he could. For Kabayel, this strategy was clearly working.

While Zhang was showing clear signs of tiredness, he can never be counted out and floored Kabayel in the fifth with a left hand. There was a shocked expression across the face of Kabayel and it was no surprise that he was cautious for the rest of the round.

The Kabayel body attack continued in round six and a shot to the body early on took the wind out of Zhang, and marked the beginning of the end for 'Big Bang'. 

With Zhang barely able to stand, Kabayel took this opportunity with both hands and a right hand to the body forced Zhang to take a knee. As the referee began his count, there was no chance Zhang was going to get back to his feet with the Chinese heavyweight wincing in pain. 

This win further cemented Kabayel's status as a legitimate contender in the heavyweight division and is now in line to face unified champion Oleksandr Usyk who was sat ringside. 

Zhang's world title dreams over - Analysis from Christopher Walker in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Zhang may still get opportunities as he is an entertaining fighter who always provides a threat, but his world title dreams are likely over.

After losing to Jospeh Parker last year, Zhang responded well to defeat Deontay Wilder, but the manner of his loss to Kabayel will be hard to come back from.

Kabayel’s dream of becoming world champion goes on and he is surely guaranteed a world title shot at some point in 2025 following an excellent run of form.

The German is still unbeaten and with the disvsion eager to find new stars, Kabayel could be one who may stick around for the next few years following his recent performances.

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