Bochum boxer Agit Kabayel has received the WBC heavyweight world title. He is the first German champion since Max Schmeling in 1932.
The WBC boxing organization awarded the title to Kabayel after former champion Oleksandr Usyk relinquished all his heavyweight belts. President Mauricio Sulaiman personally congratulated the 33-year-old via video call.
Kabayel expressed pride in the appointment. "I am incredibly proud to be the first German world champion in the heavyweight division since Max Schmeling 94 years ago", he told Bild.
Kabayel had previously held the WBC interim title and defended it against Damian Knyba in January. A planned fight against Usyk in February did not take place because Usyk withdrew.
