Weights from Germany; Marco Huck 199.5 – Vitaliy Rusal 191.5 l Alexander Abraham 154 vs Magomed Abdurakhmanov 154 l Yoan Pablo Hernandez 199.5 vs Aaron Williams 197
European cruiserweight champion Marco “Captain” Huck has promised his fans to deliver another spectacular KO on Saturday night when he faces unbeaten Vitaliy Rusal. The 24-year-old (24-1, 19KO´s) has no doubts he will leave the ring victorious – even though his Ukrainian opponent (23-0, 16 KOs) has never tasted defeat before. “I will destroy him,” Huck predicted at today´s press conference. “He has a perfect record, which speaks for itself. He has never lost but that will change on Saturday. I will hand him the first defeat of his career. He cannot stop me..”
Huck admitted he would have preferred to fight former world champion Firat Arslan, who pulled out of the clash. “Of course it would have been nice to fight Arslan, but boxing-wise, I think Rusal is the even better man,” he said. “However, he will not leave Bamberg with the title. I don´t care who my opponent is – I will beat everyone.”
Coach Ulli Wegner said the late change from Arslan to Rusal has not affected his fighter´s preparation. “That is nothing unusual for me,” he stated. “It used to happen quite often back during the days when I was an amateur coach. Marco is well prepared but he needs to stick to my tactics to win. It will be a tough fight.”
Rusal, who is promoted by the Klitschkos, is confident he can spring a major surprise. “I have been working very hard to get the chance to fight for the European title,” he stated. “I am glad the day has finally come. I am happy and excited but most of all I am extremely optimistic. Huck is a strong champion and he has a good reputation in Europe, but we have created a good game plan, which is sure to work out. I will take home the belt to Kiev.”
In the second main fight of the night, EE-EU light-middleweight champion Alexander Abraham (24-0, 16 KOs) looks to please his hometown fans when he comes face-to-face with Magomed Abdurakhmanov (14-2, 7 KOs). “A lot of people say that Alex has more talent than his brother (IBF middleweight champion) Arthur,” Wegner said. “Now is the time to show that he is a true champion and not an undercard fighter any more. I expect him to prove that on Saturday night.” Abraham knows about his coach´s expectations. “I will not disappoint my coach or my hometown fans,” he stated. “I have worked hard and I will defend my title by all means.” The two Abraham brothers grew up in Bamberg where Arthur has already made two successful defences of his IBF middleweight belt. “It will be great to fight in front of so many friends and relatives,” Alexander Abraham added.
Also in action will be Yoan Pablo Hernandez, Alexander Frenkel, Dominik Britsch and the “Nordic Nightmare” Robert Helenius.
Huck, Abraham media work-out
Marco “Captain” Huck (24-1, 19 KOs) is convinced he will make a successful – and spectacular – third defence of his European cruiserweight title when he takes on unbeaten Ukrainian Vitaliy Rusal (23-0, 16 KOs) on Saturday night. The 24-year-old only has the best memories of Bamberg. “This is the city where I made one of the best fights of my career,” Huck said during today´s public training session. “Two years ago, I defeated Vadim Tokarev despite fighting with a broken hand for the better part of the bout. My hand or my jaw might break, but my fighting spirit can never be broken. I am looking forward to a successful fight on Saturday and I will defeat Rusal”
Yet coach Ulli Wegner has warned his star not to underestimate his 28-year-old opponent, who fights under the promotional banner of K2 East.
“All boxers from the former Soviet Union have been educated very well,” he said. “They also have a great deal of amateur experience, and Rusal´s fight record speaks for itself. Marco needs to be on alert and stick to the tactics we have prepared.” Wegner believes Rusal could be an even tougher challenger than former world champion Firat Arslan, who pulled out of the eagerly-anticipated showdown. “It is a pity that the fight does not happen,” Wegner said. “The German fans would have loved to see it, but boxing-wise Rusal could pose an even bigger threat than Arslan. It will be an interesting encounter.”
Also in action will be EE-EU light-middleweight champion Alexander Abraham (24-0, 16 KOs), who defends his title against Russia´s Magomed Abdurakhmanov (14-2, 7 KOs). It will be a special fight for the 27-year-old who, together with his brother, IBF middleweight champion King Arthur Abraham, grew up in Bamberg. “Lots of old friends will be coming and I do not plan todisappoint them,” Abraham said. “The atmosphere will be fantastic – I´ve been ringside the two times Arthur fought here. I look very much forward to Saturday.”
Yoan Pablo Hernandez also takes on Aaron Williams, Alexander Frenkel comes face-to-face with Balint Turgonyi, Dominik Britsch clashes with Ibrahim Sid and the “Nordic Nightmare” Robert Helenius battles it out with Ozcan Cetinkaya.