“Give us what we want”
German boxer Kabayel celebrates Saudi sportswashing
December 22, 2023, 10:55 a.m
On Saturday, the German heavyweight European champion Kabayel can take a big step into the international spotlight in Riyadh. His fight against the Russian Makhmudov is part of the Saudi plan to take over boxing. The Bochum resident thinks the new boxing mecca is great.
German heavyweight European champion Agit Kabayel welcomes Saudi Arabia’s role as organizer of major boxing fights. “I’m glad that the Saudis are tackling this and organizing the big events. One thing shouldn’t be forgotten: There is no longer a major television station in Germany that broadcasts the fights,” said the 31-year-old before his appearance in the desert.
The past few years have been a “very difficult time for me as a professional athlete,” said Kabayel: “I didn’t know where to go. Will a big TV station come on board or not? Everything was in the balance. As an athlete, you’re relieved “That the Saudis are up for it and are investing money.” Kabayel (23 fights, 23 wins) competes on Saturday (from 5 p.m./DAZN) at a big event in the Saudi capital Riyadh in the pre-program of boxing stars Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder against the Russian Arslanbek Machmudow.
While Saudi Arabia is heavily criticized for the human rights situation there, the kingdom recently made headlines as the host of major sporting events. In boxing, Saudi Arabia has now established itself as a venue for top fights. “All the time there are pairings that haven’t happened for a long time. In the end, the Saudis make that happen and give us the fights we want,” said Kabayel.
Contradictory statement from Kabayel
Joshua and three-time world champion Alexander Usyk have already dueled there, and in October Tyson Fury faltered in an exhibition fight in the desert against MMA fighter Francis Ngannou. After the big fight evening with the former world champions Joshua and Wilder, the big unification fight between Fury and Usyk for the status of undisputed world champion is also taking place in Riyadh on February 17th.
Kabayel doubts that Fury can win the fight. And, curiously, points to the problems that ever larger stock exchanges bring with them. “After I saw Fury’s performance against Ngannou, I’m not convinced by Fury. Big money spoils the athlete at some point. I didn’t see the old Fury in the fight,” said the Bochum boxer.
But he still has one hope for Fury – that of history. Lennox Lewis last won the status of undisputed world champion in 1999. According to Kabayel, this historic opportunity could help Fury mentally. “Maybe the fight against Usyk is motivation to get everything going again. Normally, Fury was always the favorite for me,” said the 31-year-old: “But since the last performance, it’s only right not to write Usyk off. That’s a 50:50 thing.”