Zhilei Zhang v Agit Kabayel - Tale of the Tape: Weight, height, reach, trainers, records & more

We analyse the profile and characteristics of Zhilei Zhang and Agit Kabayel as the pair get set to collide in an enthralling WBC interim heavyweight title showdown in Riyadh on Saturday 22nd February 2025.

The next Riyadh fight card arrives on February 22nd and features six bouts which will have a significant impact on the fight weight divisions involved.

It is one of the finest line-ups ever assembled for one card and once again the heavyweights will play a major role on the night.

Daniel Dubois defends his IBF heavyweight world title against a reborn Joseph Parker but beforehand there is a clash for the WBC Interim bout. The winner of Zhilei Zhang and Agit Kabayel will move forward to a future shot at the full title but who will it be?

Before we find out, let’s look at the 'Tale of the Tape'.

Zhilei Zhang vs. Agit Kabayel - Tale of the Tape

	Zhilei Zhang	Agit Kabayel
Age:	41	32
Nickname:	‘Big Bang’	N/A
Height:	6ft 6ins	6ft 3ins
Reach:	80ins	80ins
Weight:	Heavyweight	Heavyweight
Trainer:	Shaun George	Sukru Aksu
Record:	27-2-1 (22 KOs)	25-0 (17 KOs)
Last Fight:	W v Deontay Wilder (June 2024)	W v Frank Sanchez (May 2024)

Zhilei Zhang - In Profile

The one thing missing from the Zhilei Zhang resume is a world title fight.

His destructive wins over Joe Joyce and his stoppage victory over Deontay Wilder are proof that the Chinese heavyweight is a dangerous contender. With the Joyce wins came significant momentum but this was halted by a resurgent Joseph Parker who climbed off the canvas twice to win a majority decision against Zhang in March 2024.

The top contenders in the heavyweight division are rarely without a big-time fight nowadays and Zhang found himself with a chance to restore his reputation against Wilder which he did so with ease three months later.

However, it is the Parker defeat which should alarm Zhang backers ahead of his February 22nd clash against Agit Kabayel. The unbeaten German is nimble and quick for a 240lb man and powerful, too. The 32-year-old should be studying the tapes of the Parker fight to formulate a game plan to frustrate and defuse ‘Big Bang’.

That said, punch power is a great equalizer and Zhang has this in spades and throws his shots at a surprising speed for a man his size.

Looking ahead to this fascinating match-up it could come down to a fight of two halves. Zhang’s best chance of winning is in rounds 1-6, while Kabayel’s is to go deep into the second half and win on points.

Strengths	Weaknesses
Fast starter	Technique can unravel in later rounds
Powerful left hand	Defence
Excellent chin	Punches can fall short
Hand speed	Fighting on the back foot

Agit Kabayel - In Profile

One beneficiary of Riyadh Season has been Agit Kabayel.

The 32-year-old from Leverkusen was waiting on the type of opportunity presented to him when he fought the seemingly formidable Arslanbek Makhmudov in December 2023.

His slaying of the imposing Russian raised a few eyebrows but crucially caught the eye of Turki Alalshikh and earned Kabayel an invite back to the Middle East five months later with another impressive stoppage win, this time against Cuban talent Frank Sanchez.

Kabayel’s career had been treading water since his successful European title defence against Derek Chisora in 2017, a win which has aged well. Kabayel is now flourishing and is no longer a dark horse of the division, emerging as the favourite to beat Zhang on February 22nd.

Facing Zhang is a semi-final of sorts for the German. Extending his unbeaten record to 26-0 will place him on the cusp of a maiden world title shot, but Zhang is a step up from anyone he has ever faced and while the veteran may appear slow and ponderous, he is anything but.

Germany has, of course, produced world champions in the past but only Max Schmeling conquered the heavyweight division - over 90 years ago – and did so during a historic rivalry with the great Joe Louis.

Beating Zhang on February 22nd will give Kabayel and Germany a great opportunity at following in the footsteps of the ‘Black Uhlan of the Rhine.’

Strengths	Weaknesses
Mobility	Vulnerable to overhand rights
Body shots	Vulnerable to uppercuts on inside
Shot set-up	Opponents who can push him back
Hand speed	Defence