Ashira To Battle Marchuk In Erfurt!

15.08 - WBA, IBF # 6 and WBC # 8 middleweight; Evans “The African Warrior” Ashira (22-0, 12 KOs), will fight Ukrainian fringe contender Sergei Marchuk on September 6 in Erfurt Germany. The bout will be the second defence for Ashira of his WBA International 160 Lb. crown, and Marchuk´s second title attempt this year.

I January, Marcuk (18-2, 12 KOs) challenged rejuvenated IBF # 8 Lansa Diallo for the IBF Intercontinental strap, and lost a decision in the Belgium-based Liberian’s adopted home-ground of Brussels. He has since returned with a win, as he outscored another Belgian; Bendele Ilunga in May. This fight also took place in his opponents “back yard”.

Don King promoted Ashira has not been in the ring since February, where he knocked out tough Texan Ruben Perez in Las Vegas. This will only be his second fight this year, something he is not too happy about:

“You know, it is not a good situation for me, but I guess I just have to make the most of everything. I’m really pumped for this fight, and I am going to stay positive and hope for the best,” says Ashira.

Having his sights firmly set on the biggest names in the division, Ashira has prepared by sparring with Mads Larsen, who challenges Sven Ottke for the WBA and IBF super middleweight world titles on the same Erfurt bill. And while Marchuk does not concern him, he is well aware that he will be in with another hungry fighter in the Erfurter Messehalle:

“You will never see me underestimating an opponent! I am not like that, and I know what I have to do to be successful: Win fights! And that is what I am going to do on September 6. I am so hungry, that maybe I will eat him,” says the likable Ashira with a big laugh and a huge smile on his face.

Being based in Aarhus, Denmark, should secure the native Kenyan some spectator-support in Erfurt. He is a very well known name in Danish boxing circles, and those who will make the trip to Germany to support Larsen in his quest to dethrone Otkke, will surely cheer Ashira on as well. His crowd-pleasing style, never-say-die attitude, and mild-mannered demeanour have always been a hit in his second homeland.