Jürgen Brähmer (Deutschland): 79,0 kg / 174.2 lbs
Eduard Gutknecht (Deutschland): 78,7 kg / 173.5 lb
Artur Mann (Deutschland): 90,7 kg / 200 lbs
Björn Blaschke (Deutschland): 89,5 kg / 197.3 lbs
Braehmer and Gutknecht exchange words
Things are heating up ahead of Saturday night’s WBA World Light Heavyweight title fight between Juergen Braehmer (47-2, 35 KOs) and Eduard Gutknecht (29-3-1, 12 KOs) at the Jahnsportforum in Neubrandenburg, Germany.
The domestic rivals do battle for a second time following a closely contested European title fight in February 2013, which saw Braehmer take the belt from Gutknecht with a closely contested points decision.
With the rematch approaching, the fighters wasted no time trading verbal jabs at the final pre-fight press conference, where there was one notable absentee, the coveted WBA title, which had mysteriously disappeared.
Gutknecht, who is aiming to get his hands on the missing belt, hit back at claims from Braehmer’s camp that he is a ‘dirty fighter’, and said his ‘hunger’ will prove the difference in their World Championship bout.
‘’I don’t know how Juergen and his team can label me a dirty fighter,’’ said the 33 year-old from Gifhorn. ‘’I’m not a dirty fighter, but I promise one thing: I’m willing to do whatever it takes to win. I respect Braehmer’s achievements, but I’m the younger, hungrier fighter, and on Saturday night, it’s my time to shine!’’
Braehmer, having grown tired of his opponent’s predictions, responded: ‘’Eduard talks too much. He reminds me of my wife. Everything he says goes in one ear and out the other.’’ And instead chose to focus on the importance of the bout, which will be a milestone fiftieth fight for the two-time World Champion. ‘’This fight is very special for me,’’ said Braehmer. ‘’Not only will I shut Gutknecht up once and for all, I will also celebrate my fiftieth fight by defending my title in front of thousands of fans at the Jahnsportforum.’’
Promoter Kalle Sauerland is expecting an electric atmosphere at the sold out arena in Neubrandenburg. ‘’This fight has all the makings of a classic,’’ said Sauerland. ‘’A rematch between two domestic rivals with a World title on the line. If I wasn’t the promoter, I would be buying a ticket for this one!’’
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Juergen Brähmer (47-2, 35 KOs) is confident of claiming a second victory over Eduard Gutknecht (29-3-1, 12 KOs) when the German fighters square off on Saturday night at the Jahnsportforum in Neubrandenburg.
The WBA World Light Heavyweight Champion will be defending his title against Gutknecht in a repeat of their European title fight in February 2013, which saw Braehmer take the belt from his domestic rival with a closely contested points decision.
‘’There was a lot of uncertainty before our first fight,’’ reflects Braehmer. ‘’I was returning after almost a year out of the ring and I didn’t know how much I still had in the tank. A lot of people wanted to write me off and there was a lot of pressure on me to perform, but that night I proved my potential, and not only did the win lead me to a shot at the World title, it also allowed me to prove, to myself and to the fans, that I still had a lot to give.
‘’This time I will be going into the ring full of confidence. I know what I’m capable of and I believe I’m a better fighter now than I was three years ago, but I’m not sure the same can be said of Gutknecht. He’s a good fighter and he deserves his shot, but I’m the World Champion and no one is going to take my title from me.’’
Gutknecht, who disputes the decision in their first fight, is eager to exact revenge, and says he will prove the WBA World Champion Braehmer is past his best.
‘’I know I didn’t lose out first fight,’’ says Gutknecht. ‘’Juergen Braehmer didn’t beat me, the belt was taken from me by the judges, but this time, I will leave the decision in no doubt. This opportunity has come at the perfect time for me and I couldn’t be more motivated.
‘’I don’t believe Braehmer has improved since our last fight. He’s 37 years old so I can’t see how this is possible. Of course, he’s a good fighter but he’s on the decline and his stamina is gone. I think if Juergen and his coach look at my best performances and compare it to his recent fights, even they must know the truth.
‘’I’m at the stage of my career where there can be no more excuses. I have nothing to lose and everything to gain. I know I have what it takes to win this fight, and on Saturday, I will prove that Braehmer’s time is over and I will be crowned World Champion!’’
Tickets for the WBA World Light Heavyweight Championship contest between Juergen Braehmer and Eduard Gutknecht on Saturday night at the Jahnsportforum in Neubrandenburg are available online via www.tickethall.de and www.eventim.de.
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Juergen Braehmer (47-2, 35 KOs) will defend his WBA World Light Heavyweight title against Eduard Gutknecht (29-3-1, 12 KOs) on March 12 in Neubrandenburg, Germany.
Gutknecht, a former European Champion, lands a shot at Braehmer’s 175lbs strap and a chance to avenge his 2013 defeat following the withdrawal of South African Thomas Oosthuizen, who was pulled out of the fight by his promoter Rodney Berman.
Fans at the Jahnsportforum can now look forward to an all-German World title contest between old foes and former stable mates Braehmer and Gutknecht.
‘’Three years after our first fight, I’m delighted to finally get a rematch,’’ said Gutknecht, who dropped his European title in a narrow points defeat to Braehmer at the Max Schmeling Halle in Berlin in February 2013.
‘’I was disappointed by result, but this time, I will leave the decision in no doubt. I know exactly what I must do, and I’m ready to take the title and avenge my defeat.’’
The reigning Champion Braehmer welcomes a rematch with his old adversary and is eager to deliver fans another exciting World title defence.
‘’We had the option to take an immediate rematch with Gutknecht after our first fight or to face Marcus Oliveria for the World title,’’ reveals Braehmer, who is aiming for a sixth successive defence of his WBA belt.
‘’Obviously, the World title challenge took absolute priority, but now I’m World Champion, I’m willing to give Gutknecht a shot. He is a strong opponent, and I’m sure together, we will deliver the fans a fight worthy of it’s World Championship status.’’
‘’Fans love a domestic dust-up,’’ said promoter Kalle Sauerland. ‘’And there is already a lot of history between these two men, which will add to the drama. We’re expecting a sell-out crowd at the Jahnsportforum, and I’m sure no one will leave disappointed.’’
Tickets for the WBA World Light Heavyweight Championship contest between Juergen Braehmer and Eduard Gutknecht are available online via www.tickethall.de and www.eventim.de.
