 Micki Nielsen (16-0, 12 KOs) is on the ‘Road To Glory’. The young Dane can claim his first major title when he faces Julio Cesar Dos Santos (27-3, 24 KOs) for the WBC International Cruiserweight title on February 7 at the Arena Nord in Frederikshavn, Denmark.Nielsen impressed in his last outing, dominating former world title challenger Gusmyr Perdomo to score a unanimous points victory. Now, the 21 year-old southpaw can take the next step on his journey to become world champion, when he challenges Dos Santos for the vacant WBC International crown.
‘’This will be a tough test, but one I‘m ready for,’’ said Nielsen. ‘’Winning the WBC International title would be the perfect start to the New Year. I want to be the best and challenge for world titles. This is the next step for me!
‘’I can’t afford to take anything for granted. Dos Santos is a strong opponent, with a good record, but I’m confident that I have what it takes to win. I will work hard in the gym, and I know my coach Joey Gamache will come up with the perfect game plan.
‘’I have some great memories of fighting in Frederikshavn, and I’m going to make sure that February 7 is another night to remember. I want to prove to everyone that I’m the real deal, and continue my climb to the top of the cruiserweight division.’’
To realise his ambition Nielsen must get past the former Brazilian and WBO Latino Champion, Dos Santos, which may prove no easy task. Having stopped twenty-four of his previous thirty opponents inside the distance, the Sao Paulo-boxer boasts a fearsome 80% knockout ratio.
While promoter Nisse Sauerland acknowledges the danger Dos Santos possesses, he is confident his fighter is up to the challenge. ‘’This will undoubtedly be Micki’s toughest test to date,’’ said Sauerland. ‘’But we know what he is capable of, and it’s time he showed his true potential.
‘’This is a massive opportunity, and a chance for Micki to announce himself onto the world scene. Outside of a world title, the WBC International belt is one of the most prestigious titles a boxer can hold, and a convincing victory could put Micki in line for a world title fight later this year.’’
Nielsen’s WBC International title challenge tops an action-packed show at the Arena Nord in Frederikshavn, which also features the Scandinavian showdown between Anthony Yigit (11-0-1, 4 KOs) and Kim Poulsen (26-1, 7 KOs), Dennis Ceylan’s (12-0-1, 6 KOs) rematch with Cristian Montilla (6-3-1, 3 KOs), rising Danish stars Abdul Khattab (9-0, 3 KOs) and Rashid Kassem (6-0, 3 KOs), and Norwegian talents Tim-Robin Lihaug (9-1, 5 KOs), Simen Smaadal (8-1, 3 KOs), Alexander Hagen (5-1, 1 KO) and Kai Robin Havnaa (1-0). |
