There is some unfinished business between Marco Huck (36-2-1, 25 KOs) and
Firat Arslan (33-6-2, 21 KOs). On November 3 of last year the two fighters
squared off at the Gerry Weber Stadion in Halle/Westphalia, Germany, for the
WBO Cruiserweight World Championship. Back then Huck won a close decision on
points. However, Arslan saw himself ahead after the full twelve rounds.
“In our mind, this battle is a question of honor,” said Chris Meyer,
Managing Director of Sauerland Event during Thursday’s press conference.
“Both boxers saw themselves as the winner. But there is an easy way to end
this debate, a rematch. That way Huck as well as Arslan now have the
opportunity to prove who deserves to be called world champion.”
Although the cruiserweight fight of the year got a bit feisty at times,
champion and challenger never forgot their sportsmanship. “Last year I
underestimated Firat. That won’t happen again,” said the 28-year-old. “I did
prove my worth against Afolabi just a few weeks ago. Whenever I train hard
and give it my all, no cruiserweight can stop me. I am aiming to prove that
once again on September 14.” Huck also believes that it won’t turn out to be
a disadvantage for him, that the second fight will be close to the
challenger´s home. “I have always said that I will take on anybody, anytime,
anywhere. Others would have probably waited longer to face Arslan again. But
I wanted to get it on as soon as possible, so that this topic is over and
done with.”
And the 42-year-old Arslan, who in boxing terms isn’t they youngest anymore,
is happy to have another opportunity to win a world championship. “I am very
excited that we will be fighting in Stuttgart,” said the former WBA
Champion. “However, that wasn’t my decision. I would have fought him
anywhere in the world. In my eyes it is more important that I got another
title shot.” The former champion is convinced that this time round he will
leave the ring victories. “If I perform as well as I did last time, and the
judges are open-minded, I will take the WBO Belt back home with me.”
