Agit Kabayel to Defend WBC Heavyweight Title Against Nelson Hysa in Düsseldorf

Düsseldorf, Germany - Agit Kabayel 27-0 (19 KOs) will make the first defence of his WBC heavyweight world title against unbeaten Albanian challenger Nelson Hysa 25-0 (23 KOs) on November 28 at the Merkur Spiel-Arena in Düsseldorf, Germany. The Queensberry Promotions event will be broadcast live on DAZN.

The stadium appearance represents another major step in Kabayel’s emergence as a leading figure in German boxing. After establishing his credentials against several dangerous heavyweight contenders, the 34-year-old now has an opportunity to build his audience on a considerably larger stage.

For Hysa, the fight offers a world championship opportunity four years after his professional debut—and a substantial leap in competition.

Kabayel’s Rise to the Championship

Kabayel’s route to the WBC title was built on an impressive sequence of victories. He dismantled Arslanbek Makhmudov in four rounds in December 2023, stopped Frank Sanchez in seven rounds the following May, and overcame a knockdown to knock out Zhilei Zhang in the sixth round in February 2025.

The Zhang victory secured the WBC interim championship. Kabayel subsequently defended that belt with a third-round stoppage of Damian Knyba in Oberhausen on January 10, before being elevated to full champion following Oleksandr Usyk’s decision to relinquish the title.

His success has come through intelligent pressure, sustained combinations and a punishing body attack. Against larger opponents, Kabayel has repeatedly shown an ability to close the distance and force fights onto terms that favour his work rate and accuracy.

The Hysa contest will be his first appearance since the Knyba victory and his first defence as the full WBC champion.

Hysa Gets His Opportunity

Hysa, 42, enters with an unbeaten record and 23 stoppages from 25 professional contests. The Shkodër heavyweight turned professional in May 2022 at the age of 37 and has moved quickly through a schedule of bouts across Europe.

His most recent appearance came on August 29 at London’s O2 Arena, where he stopped previously unbeaten Thomas Narmo in the second round on the Moses Itauma–Filip Hrgovic undercard. A right hand over Narmo’s jab produced the decisive knockdown, with the referee ending the contest after the Norwegian regained his feet on unsteady legs.

Hysa then confronted Kabayel at ringside, pressing his claim for a championship fight. The exchange provided an immediate promotional spark, although negotiations subsequently became a public dispute over whether the Albanian had accepted the proposed terms.

With the matchup now set, Hysa has secured the chance he demanded. Converting that opportunity into a competitive performance will require him to overcome an opponent far more accomplished than anyone he has faced.

A Significant Step Up in Opposition

Hysa’s knockout record gives the challenger a clear selling point, but the quality of opposition separates the two fighters.

Victories over Narmo, Abel Pesut and Patrick Korte helped advance Hysa’s career. They have not yet demonstrated that he can compete with an established heavyweight at Kabayel’s level.

Kabayel has already beaten opponents with proven contender credentials and shown that he can recover from adversity. Hysa must now establish whether his punching power remains effective against a fighter capable of applying sustained pressure while attacking both body and head.

The challenger’s right hand presents a threat that Kabayel will need to respect. His ability to maintain distance, cope with the champion’s body work and adjust when an early finish does not materialise will be central to his chances.

A Bigger Stage in Germany

Kabayel’s January appearance in Oberhausen drew a sold-out crowd, encouraging the move to a stadium event in Düsseldorf.

The Merkur Spiel-Arena also carries heavyweight history. Under its former name, Esprit Arena, it hosted Tyson Fury’s victory over Wladimir Klitschko on November 28, 2015. Kabayel and Hysa will meet in the same building exactly 11 years later.

For Kabayel, the assignment is to retain his championship while strengthening the foundations for bigger fights. For Hysa, it is the opportunity to transform an unbeaten record into a victory of genuine world significance.