Agit Kabayel vs. Damian Knyba set for January 10.

He's an interim champion.

And contrary to popular belief, guys don't get avoided when they have either belts or offer a route to a shot at one.

Unless he's demanding a ridiculous share of the cut, despite bringing limited attention, that isn't likely to be an issue purely because of positioning.

Far more often than not, when a guy with position isn't getting good fights made it's either because he doesn't want the smoke, he's asking too much money, or both.

No, I'm sorry, this is excuse making and I'm not buying it.

 

Oh cmon.

I can see why "they" (whoever they are) might want him back off the scene, because punk behaviour like targeting D level fighters whilst highly ranked is poor form, and makes it less likely that the fighter is going to raise their profile and start making more money for orgs, etc...

But this is not a landmine - this is like setting a puddle as a trap and hoping he drowns himself in it.
It's technically not impossible, but it's practically speaking safe enough that it's ridiculous to think it'd actually happen.

If Kabayel finds a way to lose this, he deserves all the ridicule he'll get... He won't, though.

 

You can believe what you want but Kabayel posted a video of himself challenging Dubois on his IG at the end of October, and everyone can see it. Even media outlets like Ring Magazine have written about it, so for me it's a fact. I don't think it's worth it for Dubois to face Kabayel now, given that he's coming off a knockout loss and needs to bounce back. It's better to face a softer opponent like Frank Sanchez, Warren probably thought so.

 

Be that as it may, the choice of opponent is disappointing. Had he fought Dubois, I am pretty sure I would have travelled to see my first professional fight in person (only watched amateur bouts and watched professional ones at home so far).

With knyba this is out of the question since it is closer to me than usual but still quite a bit of travelling and I don't want to approve of the choice of opponent by buying tickets.

 

The call out is a fact.

Kabayel actually wanting to fight is not necessarily the same thing.

It all depends whether the call out was purely for attention or whether he meant it.

Maybe, then again Dubois might think it's worth it to get back up the title shot queue...

And Warren might just be keen to avoid putting them together in case it devalues one of them - that's more likely than him thinking Dubois needs a soft touch.


And of course, it goes without saying there's a massive chasm between potentially fighting Dubois and fighting Knyba... A hell of a lot of better opponents would've been available.

 

Everyone is free to think what they want, have a nice day.