24-year-old German contender Vincent Feigenbutz (31-2, 28 KOs) holds no fear about facing Caleb Plant (19-0, 11 KOs) as he prepares to challenge the undefeated American this Saturday night for the IBF Super Middleweight World title at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee.
Yesterday’s media workout, taking place at Nashville’s Music City Boxing Gym, gave the assembled US press their first opportunity to meet the man known as the ‘KO King’ due to his fearsome punching power, and before giving fans a brief taste of what to expect as he hit the pads, Feigenbutz made it clear he was ready to fulfill his lifetime ambition of winning a World title in the USA.
“I am fighting an American fighter on American soil, so everyone knows that a knockout will make it easier to get the victory,” said Feigenbutz. “However I believe that no boxer is unbeatable and this definitely applies to Caleb Plant.
“My team and I have analysed what Caleb’s strengths and weaknesses are,” Feigenbutz continued. “He is a strong boxer and very good athlete, however I am a German warrior. I have a strong punch and I’ve proven that many times. I will look for my chance until the very last second and I am a fighter who will never give up.”
Having not fought outside of Germany since 2016, Feigenbutz is looking forward to making his US debut and has enjoyed his introduction to Nashville.
“My jet lag has gone and I’m feeling very comfortable. I’ve been out in the city and there seems to be a lot of excitement about the fight. I’ve met lots of nice and hospitable people who have treated my team and I with respect and it’s good to see the Americans are looking forward to the fight.
“Even though my fight will be in the middle of the night I’m sure my fans will stay up to watch me in Germany. It’s good for me to know that any fans who couldn’t travel to Nashville will still be watching on TV and cheering me on, this gives me even more motivation. I hope I can do my part to bring German boxing back to where it belongs!
“When I bring that belt home it will be a big step in the right direction for myself and my country. I want to become a World Champion. That has always been my dream and my ultimate goal. A big thank you goes to my promoter Team Sauerland, my partners, sponsors, friends, family and my manager Rainer Gottwald. On Saturday I will repay you!”
Vincent Feigenbutz ready to dethrone Caleb Plant
Vincent Feigenbutz (31-2, 28 KOs), known as the ‘KO King’ due to his 85% knockout ratio, has worked himself into a mandatory position with the IBF following a run of ten consecutive victories – nine of which came within the distance.
The 24-year-old German previously held the WBA World Super Middleweight title having stopped Mauricio Reynoso in the third round at the Gerry Weber Stadium in 2015. Feigenbutz successfully defended the title with a unanimous decision victory over Giovanni De Carolis, before losing a rematch the following year.
Feigenbutz, who hopes to follow in the footsteps of the legendary Max Schmeling by becoming only the second German boxer to win a World title in America, informed the gathered media that Caleb Plant can expect a tough night on February 15th.
“I am pleased that we are so close to the fight now,” said Feigenbutz. “I’m feeling fantastic and very well prepared. Caleb Plant is a tough opponent, but I’m not going to give him anything.
“I will give everything I have and fight until the last second! I want to thank my whole team and Team Sauerland for making this dream a reality for me!”
Dr. Martin Lenz, the mayor of Karlsruhe, was also in attendance at the press conference and expressed the city’s pride and support of Feigenbutz.
“It is a great honour for the city of Karlsruhe that Vincent will represent us in the USA,” said Lenz. “We are very proud of him regardless of this fight! We would also like to thank his promoter Team Sauerland and manager Rainer Gottwald for bringing the city of Karlsruhe to this big stage.
“It’s remarkable that with Regina Halmich, Sven Ottke and now Vincent Feigenbutz we produce such great boxers. The city of Karlsruhe will have our fingers crossed for Vince!”
Nisse Sauerland confident Feigenbutz beats Plant
Feigenbutz’s promoter Nisse Sauerland is confident Germany will have a new World Champion come February 15th.
“We are delighted to make this fight happen and reward Vince’s hard work with the opportunity of becoming a two-time World Champion,” said Sauerland. “This is a great opportunity for Vincent and also for German boxing – don’t miss Vincent make history on February 15th”.
The IBF Super Middleweight World title clash between Caleb Plant and Vincent Feigenbutz takes place at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville on February 15th with all the action broadcast live on Fox in the US, Sport1 in Germany and BoxNation in the UK.