Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani warmly congratulated boxer Agit Kabayel today. Kabayel officially became the first Kurdish fighter to capture the WBC Heavyweight World Championship. Therefore, Prime Minister Barzani hailed this milestone as a defining moment for all Kurdish people worldwide.
The elite title became vacant after former champion Oleksandr Usyk stepped aside recently. Usyk chose to vacate the belt to prepare for his final career bout. Consequently, the organization elevated Kabayel from interim champion to the full status holder.
This official recognition strengthens the existing bond between the politician and the athlete. Notably, Kabayel visited Erbil in April 2025 to meet with regional leaders. During that visit, Prime Minister Barzani praised his international success as a prime example of Kurdish excellence. Furthermore, the prime minister pledged ongoing support for Kurdish athletes who compete globally.
Kabayel secured his path to the championship through phenomenal performances in the ring. First, he secured a massive victory in Riyadh in February 2025. He stopped Chinese heavyweight Zhilei Zhang with a devastating liver shot during the sixth round. After that, he dominated an undefeated Polish contender named Damian Knyba in January of this year. He knocked out Knyba in just three rounds in the city of Oberhausen. Immediately after the referee stopped the fight, Kabayel dedicated the victory to the Kurdish people.
The fighter proudly showcases his heritage during every single international competition. His parents originally moved from Northern Kurdistan in Southeast Türkiye to Germany. Kabayel grew up in Bochum but he never forgot his roots. Additionally, his victory makes him the first German heavyweight champion in nearly a century.
This historic triumph coincides with an amazing summer for Kurdish athletes in global sports. For example, football star Deniz Undav is currently shining at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Fans now proudly call the two close friends the “Kurdish Lions of Germany.” Ultimately, their dual success brings immense joy to millions of Kurds across the diaspora.