Kabayel: Represents Germany “with pride”

The Bochum native sees himself as a good example of integration in Germany. He will be back in the ring at the end of November.

By making his way to the very top of the world heavyweight rankings, boxing world champion Agit Kabayel also hopes to inspire many children from migrant backgrounds in Germany. “We can be good role models for young people,” said the Bochum native, who has Kurdish roots, in an interview with DAZN. He is “the best example” of successful integration in Germany, according to Kabayel.

Kabayel finds it regrettable that, following his crowning as WBC heavyweight world champion, many people on social media failed to recognise him as a “German” world champion. “A great many people were debating and arguing in the comments. I found that a great, great shame. That people still even question whether Kabayel belongs to Germany,” said the 34-year-old.

Kabayel’s parents came to Germany from Turkey in the late 1980s; Kabayel was born in Leverkusen and grew up in Bochum-Wattenscheid. He represents Germany “with pride”, said Kabayel, adding that his family “owe so much to this country in our lives.”

Kabayel, the first German heavyweight world champion since the iconic Max Schmeling almost 100 years ago, will step into the ring on 28 November at the football stadium in Düsseldorf. In front of over 40,000 spectators, he will defend his world title for the first time. His opponent is the Albanian Nelson Hysa.