18.09.07 – Odlanier Solis and Herbie Hide “boarding” the traditional sailing ship “Lisa von Lübeck” (photos: J.A. Treptow)
This Friday arena’s “RISING STARS” want to show big sports in Lübeck’s Hansehalle, today they already had big mouths at the press conference on traditional sailing ship “Lisa von Lübeck”. Youngster Tino Groß, former World heavyweight champion Herbie Hide (both cruiserweight), Alpaslan Agüzüm (middleweight) and Cuban Olympic gold medalists Odlanier Solis (heavyweight) and Yuriorkis Gamboa (featherweight) were all asked the question whom they would like to fight next.
Groß who will be giving his pro-debut in Lübeck looked to his right and said: “Why not Herbie Hide? He’s a true ring legend.” Hide started laughing, stating: “Don’t push it, kid. You’re a good guy and I would bet that you will be World cruiserweight champion one day but only after I retired!.”
Asked for his favourite opponent the ‘Dancing Destroyer’ said: “I’ll fight anyone who wears a belt. It doesn’t matter who I’ll have to beat. All that matters to me is to become World Champion again! I didn’t come here for playing. I’m back and I’m on my way to gold.” Hide is currently ranked on No. 10 in the WBO ratings. With another victory this Friday he could proceed to the Top 5 of the world.
Compared to Groß and Hide Cuba’s heavyweight sensation Solis took it easy. Solis: “Of course, I want to become World Champion but it’s hard to tell when I will get my chance. I am training pretty hard. My new coach Karsten Röwer taught me some discipline and how to be on time – which is good for me. I can feel that I am getting more and more in shape and that I am ready to take the next step.” Asked who would be next on their ‘hit lists’ Solis and arena’s second Olympic champion Yuriorkis Gamboa answered unisono: “We’ll fight and beat anyone who comes along.”
Alpaslan Agüzüm who will give his debut in middleweight after ascending from welter is tho only one who has concrete plans for his future dream opponents. Alpaslan: “I would like to step into the ring with Felix Sturm or Artur Abraham. I know both of them from sparring rounds and I know that I could beat either man.”