Former heavyweight champion says Kabayel has earned his shot and can handle the pressure of fighting for a world title

Anthony Joshua believes Agit Kabayel is ready for an Oleksandr Usyk title fight after watching the unbeaten German rise through the heavyweight ranks. Joshua says Kabayel has earned his opportunity and possesses the qualities needed to handle the pressure that comes with fighting for a world championship.

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Kabayel is currently in line for a shot at Usyk after capturing the WBC interim heavyweight title and extending his unbeaten record with a series of impressive victories over top contenders. While many view a fight with the unified heavyweight champion as the toughest assignment in boxing, Joshua believes the 33-year-old is ready for the challenge.

“I think Agit is ready because he is calling for the Oleksandr Usyk fight,” Joshua told Rick Reeno on the Mr. Verzace Podcast.

“Agit has been around for a long time, and he’s ready now. I can’t wait to see. I think he’ll be able to deal with that bullseye on his back. He’s got potential to reign supreme as a heavyweight.”

Kabayel has steadily climbed the heavyweight rankings in recent years, stopping Arslanbek Makhmudov, Frank Sanchez, Zhilei Zhang, and Damian Knyba during an impressive run that transformed him from a respected contender into one of the division’s leading names.

“Even though he’s been around for a long time, the difference is when you become champion, that bullseye is on your back, and it’s a lot,” said Joshua.

“You can see it now with Usyk. The bullseye is on his back because people are waiting for a little sign of vulnerability. Agit has potential because he hasn’t shown it yet. We want to see him become champion to see him live up to the expectations that we have of him.”

Usyk has been linked to several potential opponents, but Kabayel remains one of the leading candidates for the Ukrainian’s next fight. A victory would cement the German as one of the heavyweight division’s top stars, while a strong performance alone could further elevate his standing among boxing’s elite.

Joshua, meanwhile, is scheduled to return to the ring on July 25 when he faces Kristian Prenga in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.