Weigh-In Results from Germany: Lorenzo made the weight on the second attempt half an hour later:
IBF Middleweight Title: Sebastian Sylvester: 72,20 kg vs Giovanni Lorenzo: 72,57 kg
EU Heavyweight Title: Francesco Pianeta: 109,1 kg vs Matt Skelton: 114,8 kg
Rafael Farrait believes Saturday´s IBF Middleweight Title fight between top-ranked challengers Giovanni Lorenzo and Sebastian Sylvester will not go the distance.. The two fighters clash for King Arthur Abraham´s belt following his move to super-middleweight to participate in the Super Six World Boxing Classic. “It will be a very hard fight on Saturday,” Farrait said at today´s press conference in Neubrandenburg´s town hall. “Giovanni is very strong and throws great punches. He is also very fast. The fight will not go the distance.” Lorenzo (27-1, 19 KOs) also voiced his confidence. “A lot of people make big predictions but do not follow it up inside the ring,” he stated. “I am not like that. On Saturday, everybody will see who I am. Sylvester has only fought old guys and weak Italians but now he comes face-to-face with a young, hungry fighter.”
Sylvester (31-3, 15 KOs) would not allow himself to be dragged into a battle of words before the fight. “He can say what he wants,” said the Hurricane. “I feel honoured to fight for the world title in front of my home fans. I will not disappoint them. I will win.” Added his coach Karsten Rower: “It was key for Sebastian to complete the sparring sessions without any injuries. Everything went very well. He is in top shape and can enter the fight with a lot of confidence. He is in the right state of mind and ready for Saturday.”
On the undercard, Francesco Pianeta will defend his EU Heavyweight Title against former European Champion Matt Skelton. “That will be a very interesting fight,” said Team Sauerland Sports Director Hagen Doering. “Of course we are confident that Francesco will win.”
The venue has been sold out for weeks.
Sylvester, Lorenzo public work-out
Sebastian Sylvester (31-3, 15 KOs) is confident he can keep the IBF Middleweight Title in the Team Sauerland family as he prepares for Saturday´s showdown with Giovanni Lorenzo. The two top-ranked challengers clash for King Arthur Abraham´s belt in the Hurricane´s backyard of Neubrandenburg. “I am very happy to box in Neubrandenburg,” Sylvester said at today´s media training. “The crowd was fantastic when I knocked out Javier Castillejo and Gaetano Nespro. I hope for the same support again. It will be a very difficult fight against Lorenzo. He is a very strong fighter but I am confident of success.”
Coach Karsten Rower also expects a tough battle. “We saw on tape that Lorenzo is a very strong boxer, but he gets problems when you put him under pressure,” he said. “We are very keen to win on Saturday.”
Lorenzo, who boasts an impressive record of 27-1 (19 KOs), also voiced his confidence. “I will take the title home,” he said. “I have worked very hard to get this chance. I will make the most of it.” Both fighters looked in strong shape during today´s session.
