On February 21, it’s ‘Judgement Day’ in the German capital! Arthur Abraham (41-4, 28 KOs) takes on Paul Smith (35-4, 20 KOs) in a WBO World Super Middleweight Championship rematch at the O2 World. Alongside the main event, fans can look forward to a stacked undercard showcasing the very best of European boxing.
As previously announced, Enrico Koelling (16-0, 6 KOs) will defend his WBA Light Heavyweight Intercontinental title against Mirco Ricci (13-2, 4 KOs), while British heavyweight star David Price (18-2, 15 KOs) meets Brazilian KO King Irineu Beato Costa Junior (16-2, 14 KOs). Four further fights have now been confirmed for the February 21 show.
Highly rated cruiserweight prospect Noel Gevor (15-0, 9 KOs) will face Emilio Valori (16-6, 12 KOs). Gevor is relishing a return to the ring following his fifth-round stoppage of Tamas Polster in Copenhagen, Denmark. ‘’I was pleased with my performance against Polster,’’ said the 24 year-old. ‘’It was a good experience to fight away from home, but I’m happy to be back fighting in Germany, especially at such an amazing arena!’’
London 2012 Olympian, Stefen Haertel (3-0) meets French super middleweight Baptiste Castegnaro (5-3, 2 KOs). An opponent, Haertel’s coach Karsten Roewer has warned him not to underestimate. ‘’Stefan should not be fooled by his opponents record,’’ said the renowned German coach. ‘’He will be coming to Berlin to cause an upset. Last year, he knocked out a previously unbeaten Italian in his hometown. He will try to do the same to Stefan.’’ Despite these words of warning, Haertel is looking forward to his hometown fight. ‘’All my family and friends from Berlin have bought tickets. I will not let them down,’’ said the 27 year-old.
Another Berlin native, Burak Sahin (5-0, 5 KOs) will look to extend his run of knockout victories when he takes on Ukrainian Maksym Pedyura (14-7, 12 KOs). ‘’This fight could be over quickly,’’ claimed the 23 year-old heavyweight. ‘Don’t blink or you might miss it!’’ Sahin will be making his second appearance at a Team Sauerland show, having impressed with a first-round technical knockout win over Zoltan Jerousek in May.
British-boxer Josh Warrington (19-0, 3 KOs) will have the chance to showcase his skills to the German public. The 24 year-old featherweight, who was until a year ago working as a dental technician, proved his pedigree in his last fight, claiming the European title with the fourth-round stoppage of Davide Dieli. The Leeds-man now appears to be on the fast track to a world title shot. On February 21, Warrington can continue his world title charge when he faces Edwin Tellez (9-11-5, 4 KOs).
