While much of the boxing world fixates on the prospect of a high-stakes rematch between Daniel Dubois and Filip Hrgovic, former two-division world champion David Haye believes the "Dynamite’s" ultimate test lies elsewhere. According to Haye, the most perilous assignment in the heavyweight division right now is against a fighter whom the rest of the weight class is actively trying to avoid: Agit Kabayel.
Dubois solidified his status as a force at the top of the division back in May, when he showed immense resilience to survive two early knockdowns before launching a dramatic comeback to dethrone Fabio Wardley with an 11th-round stoppage, capturing a world heavyweight title in the process. He followed up on that grueling victory earlier this month in an immediate rematch that left no room for doubt. Displaying explosive intent from the opening bell, Dubois floored his rival within the first 17 seconds and secured an emphatic second-round finish to retain his WBO title, further cementing his reputation as one of the most dangerous punchers in the sport.
Naturally, the conversation among pundits, fans, and promoters quickly turned to what comes next for the 29-year-old champion. Dubois himself has openly expressed a strong desire to pursue a unification clash with Filip Hrgovic. The Croatian contender recently claimed his IBF title in August with a commanding ninth-round stoppage victory over Moses Itauma, positioning himself as a logical and lucrative opponent for a championship consolidation bout.
The history between Dubois and Hrgovic adds an extra layer of intrigue to any potential second meeting. Their first encounter in June 2024 ended with Dubois securing an eighth-round stoppage victory, but that triumph came only after enduring severe adversity. Hrgovic had suffered two horrendous cuts over his eyes during the contest, and prior to the stoppage, the Croatian had enjoyed a significant share of success and was arguably outboxing the Briton in stretches. Given how competitive their first fight was before the referee intervened, a rematch could easily play out in an entirely different fashion, making it a compelling stylistic puzzle for both men.
However, when evaluating the absolute toughest stylistic matchup out there for Dubois, Haye looks past the obvious rematch with Hrgovic. Instead, the former heavyweight and cruiserweight champion points toward Agit Kabayel, who is currently preparing to defend his WBC title against Nelson Hysa on November 28. Kabayel’s rise to the summit of the division has been methodical and devastating. He claimed the WBC interim title back in February 2025 with an impressive sixth-round stoppage of the formidable Zhilei Zhang, before eventually being elevated to full champion status earlier this year.
Speaking in a recent interview with talkSPORT, Haye broke down why he views Kabayel as such a formidable puzzle for the current WBO titleholder, pointing to the stark contrast in their tactical approaches and athletic profiles inside the ring.
"Dubois’s a physical specimen; he’s an absolute machine. He’s the perfect-sized heavyweight – he takes a dig; he’s a massive puncher," Haye told talkSPORT, acknowledging the frightening natural assets that have carried Dubois to the top of the division. At the same time, Haye believes that raw power and forward momentum alone might not be enough when facing elite, highly technical operators.
"I’d like to see him loosen up a little bit; everything feels very forceful. [He should be] a little bit more like Lennox [Lewis] in the sense of opening people up with small shots, before throwing big ones," Haye continued, offering a technical critique of Dubois’s offensive rhythm. "Against Kabayel, that style of just trying to force it won’t work. Kabayel’s very slippery – he turns off at angles, throws to the body… he does more of what Usyk can do, from the amateur schooling he’s had. That’s a very tough fight for Dubois. Agit Kabayel’s the one everyone’s avoiding."
Haye’s assessment highlights the unique technical challenges that Kabayel brings to the table. Unlike traditional, upright heavyweights who rely primarily on straightforward combinations and sheer concussive force, Kabayel utilizes a sophisticated blend of lateral movement, nuanced angle changes, and a punishing body attack. His extensive amateur background has equipped him with the defensive responsibility and ring IQ that allow him to neutralize heavy-handed adversaries by slipping punches and countering effectively on the inside.
For Dubois, who relies heavily on his imposing physical strength, heavy hands, and relentless forward pressure to break down opponents, facing an elusive technician molded in the mold of elite European amateurs would represent a completely different tier of competition. While a unification showdown against Filip Hrgovic remains the immediate frontrunner for the narrative surrounding Dubois’s next career move, the warning from a veteran like David Haye serves as a reminder of the shifting landscape at the heavyweight summit. As Kabayel prepares for his upcoming defense against Nelson Hysa on November 28, the boxing world will be watching closely to see how the champion performs, knowing full well that a collision course with the division’s most avoided contender may eventually become unavoidable for any fighter holding a world title.
