Boxing Challenge

    January is a slow month in boxing, usually because few want to train during the holidays.

But this weekend, there are two fights of interest for the boxing challenge for 2026.

In Germany, heavyweight contender Agit Kabayel makes his ring return with a minor title defense against unbeaten Damian Khyba.

Kabayel has stopped his last three opponents, each a notch higher up the ladder, with a 2023 knockout over then-unbeaten powerhitter Arslanbek Makhmudov, a 2024 KO of smooth boxing Frank Sanchez, and last year's knockout of perennial contender Zhilei Zhang, and has made himself a deserving championship contender.

The unbeaten Khyba hasn't fought top competition yet, with his best wins coming against then-unbeaten Marcin Siwy and journeyman Joey Dawejko, and takes a big jump forward against Kabayel.

In New York City, Subriel Matias defends his WBC junior welterweight title against his mandatory contender, England's Dalton Smith.

Matias, who held the IBF version of the title before an upset loss to Liam Paro, won the WBC title last July with a majority decision win over Alberto Puello.

Smith, the youngest and most heralded of the British Smith family, is an aggressive fighter, but other than a KO win over a washed-up Jose Zepeda, his opponents have been of the European level.

Style-wise, this should be a very entertaining fight, with both fighters enjoying a more aggressive approach, so I'm looking forward to this one!

Boxing Challenge

Heavyweights 12 Rds 

Agit Kabayel vs Damian Knyba

Ramon Malpica: Kabayel KO 6
TRS: Kabayel KO 4

Vince Samano: Kabayel Unanimous Decision

WBC Junior Welterweight Title 12 Rds

Subriel Matias vs Dalton Smith

R.L and V.S: Matias Unanimous Decision
TRS: Smith Split Decision