
Agit Kabayel has been confirmed as the new WBC heavyweight champion, with the German already chasing further history.
The former interim title holder was elevated to the full crown on Saturday after Oleksandr Usyk elected to vacate the belt.
Kabayel had been the mandatory challenger for the Ukrainian, and had hoped to secure a bout against him later this year.
But now, he has been promoted without a fight, with the star taking to social media to thank supporters in a heartfelt post.
"Unbelievable," Kabayel wrote on Instragram following the news. "As of today, I am the WBC Heavyweight World Champion.
"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."
Kabayel's promotion effectively positions him as the leading heavyweight in a crowded division blown wide open by Usyk's call.
The star will look to secure a maiden defence for his next move, with multiple contenders expected to be in play to face him.
Xander Zayas defends his WBO and WBA super welterweight titles against Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis on Saturday, June 27, exclusively live on DAZN. Buy as a one-off PPV or included, along with Joshua vs. Prenga (July 25) and Canelo vs. M'billi (Sept 12) PPVs, with a DAZN Ultimate Tier subscription.


