Agit Kabayel Claims Anthony Joshua Should Fight Him for WBC Interim Title Instead of Boxing Jake Paul
Agit Kabayel, the WBC Interim heavyweight champion, has publicly criticized Anthony Joshua’s interest in a potential match against Jake Paul. He suggests that Joshua should instead focus on reclaiming his title through a fight with Kabayel.
Kabayel Questions Joshua’s Motives
Kabayel expressed his disappointment to Sky Sports regarding Joshua’s decision to pursue a bout with the YouTube star. He stated, “It’s crazy. The situation in boxing changed. All the fans want to see the funny fights.”
Current Context in Heavyweight Boxing
As the leading contender in the WBC heavyweight rankings, Kabayel’s position allows him to challenge Oleksandr Usyk, the current world champion. He believes that Joshua should prioritize serious competition over celebrity fights.
Joshua’s Accomplishments
- Former two-time unified heavyweight champion
- Victories over Wladimir Klitschko and Andy Ruiz
- Olympic super-heavyweight gold medalist at London 2012
Kabayel highlighted the need for Joshua to recuperate mentally after his recent losses and suggested that his motivations appear unclear. “He can fight with me or many others, but he needs a little bit of recovery in his head,” he noted.
Concerns Over Joshua’s Boxing Future
Boxing analyst Johnny Nelson questioned Joshua’s commitment to the sport, expressing concerns that he seems “half in, half out.” Meanwhile, WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman assured that Joshua’s ranking would remain unaffected, regardless of whether he fights Paul.
Future Fight Possibilities
Although discussions regarding a potential Joshua vs. Paul fight have surfaced, Eddie Hearn, Joshua’s promoter, stated that nothing has been finalized yet. He mentioned, “It’s not done, despite rumors.” There are also doubts about the fight’s viability.
In conclusion, while Kabayel claims that Joshua’s focus should be on legitimate boxing challenges, the allure of an event with Jake Paul continues to captivate audiences and generate discussions within the boxing community.