25.07 - As if the exiting prospect of a heavyweight battle between two explosive punchers is not enough, the undercard of the long-awaited clash between big hitters Richel Hersisia and Sami Elovaara for the former’s WBF ‘world’ title is consisting of three more interesting heavyweight clashes!

In what is called “The Austrian Heavyweight Explosion!”, another title of sorts will be on the line at the Salzburg, Austria EM-Stadium (home of the local football club) on August 9 when former WBB heavyweight champion, Kenyan Joseph Akhasamba, attempts to win back his belt in a clash with ex-German champ Andreas Sidon. Though both warriors are no spring chicken by far, they are still fiercely determined to succeed and the skill of the African is expected to be matched by Sidon’s steely determination. Sidon’s is a story straight out of the ‘Rocky’ movies. He received his fighting baptism in the Thai kickboxing circuit while trying to make something out of himself in Asia. Upon returning to Germany, the selfmade fighter became a regular winner in the German amateur league competition, before deciding to try his luck as a professional boxer. When most fighters career’s end, Sidon’s started at age 36 and lead him to become the oldest German heavyweight champion ever. Not that the way was easy: Sidon had no promoter, only a manager, and was at the same time bringing up his three children all by himself! The fact that he suceeded against the establishment is a clear sign of his grit and self believe. His co-challenger Joseph Akhasamba already has some experience when it comes to German heavyweights. He outpointed hometowner René Hanl clearly to win the WBB title for the first time, but had to conceed the belt to Willi Fischer on a 12-round decision. Although rather small when it comes to today’s oversized big men, the former Olympian has excellent skills that more than make up for the lack of mass. To predict who will be strapping the belt around his waiste after the fight is a hard task indeed…

Also featured on the bill is Poland’s No. 1 heavyweight Albert “The Dragon” Sosnowski, who will clash over eight rounds with Akhasamba’s countrymen Chris Sirengo. With only one loss in 30 fights, Sosnowski has done a great job of rebuilding his career and again is close to a new TV contract and meaningful fights. Thus, he will be under extreme pressure in Austria to impress.

The card is rounded off by a six-twos between Grezi Line, an Italian debutant residing in Austria, and Czech Frantisek Vasak.

THE AUSTRIAN HEAVYWEIGHT EXPLOSION !

August 9, 2003 - Salzburg, Austria

The WBF Heavyweight Championship of the World, 12 Rounds

RICHEL HERSISIA (Holland) vs SAMI ELOVAARA (Finland)

The World Boxing Board Heavyweight Championship, 12 Rounds

ANDREAS SIDON (Germany) vs JOSEPH AKHASAMBA (Kenya)

International Heavyweight Attraction, 8 Rounds

ALBERT SOSNOWSKI (Poland) vs CHRIS SIRENGO (Kenya)

Heavyweight Contest, 6 (x 2 min.) Rounds

GREZI LINE (Italy) vs FRANTISEK VASAK (Czechia)

Pro Debut 1-5 (1 KO)