ERBIL, Kurdistan Region — The German city of Bochum celebrated its hometown hero Agit Kabayel on Saturday after the Kurdish boxer became the WBC Heavyweight World Champion in June.
Kabayel won the interim WBC heavyweight title in February 2025 by knocking out Zhilei Zhang in the sixth round, then defended it against Damian Knyba in January 2026. He was elevated to full WBC heavyweight champion in June 2026 after reigning champion Oleksandr Usyk vacated the title, making Kabayel the first German heavyweight world champion since Max Schmeling in 1932.
“This means everything to me... This is my life,” Kabayel told Rudaw's Mey Dost during the celebrations. “This is the motivation to give my all in the ring, because we have to struggle with so much, so much oppression—and at the end of the day, I want to be a light for everyone.”
“That’s why I say: Kurdish Power, German Discipline,” he added. “Bochum is my home. Everything was given to me here, everything was offered to me, and it’s an indescribable feeling to celebrate this here with my—let's say—my fellow countrymen, and also in Bochum with the people who have supported me since day one.”
Kabayel grew up in Bochum, where he has built his boxing career while openly embracing both his Kurdish heritage and German identity.
The city welcomed him not only as a world champion but also as a local figure who has carried his Kurdish identity into the international boxing arena.
Bochum Mayor Jorg Lukat praised Kabayel for representing the city and its diverse roots.
“This makes it clear: Bochum is a city that is ultimately shaped by many different roots,” Lukat told Rudaw. “Agit does not hide the fact that he has Kurdish roots. But he also does not hide that he is German, and he certainly does not hide that he is from Bochum.”
“And because of that—and then finally having the Heavyweight World Championship title—I have to say quite honestly, it is an excellent way for this city to be represented by him. And for that, I am proud and grateful,” he added.
During Saturday’s ceremony, Kabayel signed Bochum’s Golden Book, becoming the first Kurd in the city’s history to receive the honor.
The occasion also drew fans from across Germany and beyond.
Sibar Rasul traveled from Vienna specifically to celebrate Kabayel’s achievement.
“I came specifically from Vienna; I traveled for 13 hours for the sake of Agit Kabayel, our proud Kurd,” Rasul said. “I wanted to support him with this joy and be present here.”
“I am always proud and happy to have a champion like Agit Kabayel, who is so highly regarded and famous in Europe,” he added. “I hope all our Kurdish people progress. Long live the Kurds and Kurdistan, long live Agit Kabayel.”
Kabayel’s name is now immortalized in Bochum’s Golden Book, marking a historic moment for both the boxer and the city where he grew up.
But for the 33-year-old champion, the celebrations are only part of the journey. Kabayel now has his sights set on defending the heavyweight world title he fought hard to win.
