Bochum, Germany - In a year marked by high-profile bouts under the banner of Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh Season, few fighters have risen to the occasion quite like Germany’s Agit Kabayel. His performances in Saudi Arabia have defied expectations, with notable victories over feared opponents like Russian knockout artist Arslanbek Makhmudov and Cuba’s Frank Sanchez. Yet, just as Kabayel was on the cusp of a world title shot, he has made the surprising decision to withdraw from the IBF final eliminator purse bid against Congo’s Martin Bakole—a development that could reshape the path to the heavyweight crown.

Kabayel has been a steady presence in the heavyweight division for over a decade, gaining traction with a 2017 decision win over Derek Chisora. While he maintained an undefeated record, his performances largely remained within the European circuit, never quite catapulting him to global recognition. However, the influence of Saudi Arabia’s sports authority, led by His Excellency Turki Al-Alshikh, dramatically altered his career trajectory.

The “Day of Reckoning” card in Riyadh marked a pivotal moment for Kabayel, pitting him against Arslanbek Makhmudov, a knockout artist known for his devastating power. Kabayel’s ability to withstand Makhmudov’s assault and then stop him in four rounds stunned boxing fans worldwide, solidifying his place as a heavyweight contender to watch.

The victory over Makhmudov set the stage for another test as Kabayel returned to Riyadh, this time to face another undefeated opponent, Frank Sanchez. Many questioned whether Kabayel’s win over Makhmudov was a fluke, but he silenced the doubters by stopping Sanchez in the seventh round. These back-to-back wins announced Kabayel as a genuine top heavyweight contender, setting him on a path toward a potential world title shot in 2025.

Following his impressive performances, Kabayel was lined up for an IBF final eliminator against Martin Bakole, with the winner earning mandatory challenger status for Daniel Dubois’ IBF heavyweight title. Bakole, a dangerous and experienced heavyweight, presented a formidable challenge. This matchup promised to be a compelling clash between two rising heavyweights, both eager to secure a shot at the championship.

However, Kabayel’s team recently made the unexpected decision to withdraw from the purse bids, effectively stepping away from the opportunity to face Bakole. The decision has generated considerable buzz, with Bakole’s trainer, Billy Nelson, expressing his frustration on social media:

“Unfortunately, I’m hearing Agit Kabayel will be joining the long line of top fighters who don’t want to fight Martin. Real shame, as it would have been a good fight.”

Nelson’s comments reflect a growing sentiment in the heavyweight division regarding Bakole’s reputation as a challenging opponent that few are eager to face.

Kabayel’s withdrawal has left a vacancy in the IBF final eliminator, one that the powerful Chinese heavyweight Zhilei “Big Bang” Zhang is expected to fill. At 41 years old, Zhang has maintained his status as a dangerous contender in the division, with a unique combination of power and experience. Facing Bakole could represent his last opportunity to earn a shot at a world title, and he is not expected to let this chance pass him by.

If confirmed, the Bakole-Zhang eliminator is anticipated to take place in the spring of 2025. Though the fight won’t take place on Daniel Dubois’ scheduled undercard on February 22, it is sure to generate significant interest as Zhang moves one step closer to his own shot at the IBF heavyweight title.

While Kabayel’s recent successes have elevated his profile, the decision to withdraw from the eliminator prompts questions about his future direction. Some speculate that his team might have chosen to focus on securing other high-profile fights outside of the eliminator framework, especially given his newfound visibility after the victories over Makhmudov and Sanchez. For Bakole, who has been vocal about his eagerness to climb the heavyweight ranks, the withdrawal marks yet another instance of a top-tier opponent opting out of a fight with him, a pattern that could add to his appeal as a “boogeyman” in the division.

The upcoming Bakole-Zhang showdown is a fresh twist in the heavyweight title picture, promising fans a clash between two dangerous, highly motivated fighters who each bring unique styles and strengths to the ring. Should Bakole emerge victorious, he would finally secure the title shot that has eluded him, while a win for Zhang would propel the Chinese powerhouse into his first world championship opportunity.