14.10.03 – Hamburg – Dariusz Michalczewski, 48-0 (41), wants to earn the outstanding undefeated record of 49-0 the hard way. That’s why he asked his promoter to get him the best and toughest available light heavyweight contender to challenge him next.
And that’s exactly what Universum Box-Promotion CEO Klaus-Peter Kohl did when he signed Mexican Julio Cesar Gonzalez, 34-1 (22), to fight his charge Michalczewski on October 18 at the huge Color Line Arena in Hamburg.
It will be the 24th WBO world title defense of German-Polish Michalczewski who is holding his World Boxing Organization title since September 1994.
“This is going to be the hardest task in the career of Michalczewski”, promoter Klaus-Peter Kohl said on today’s press conference inside the spacious cinema 1 at Hamburg’s Cinemaxx. “In formula-one racing you may reach the finishing line as number 8 and still become world champion. But in boxing you always have to win.”
“Gonzalez is the strongest available top contender in the world. It’s an honor for Dariusz to go for the 49-0 record of Rocky Marciano.”
Boxing legend Rocky Marciano has been world heavyweight champion from 1947 to 1955 and scored 49 consecutive victories. Michalczewski is right now unbeaten in 48 contests.
Beside equalling the record of Marciano, Michalczewski can also become the longest reigning light heavyweight champion of all times if he wins on October 18. Currently this record is being held for over 40 years by Archie Moore who reigned as light heavyweight champion from December 1952 to February 1962: Nine years and two months.
“The Tiger” is now world champion for nine years and one month.
Additionally Michalczewski who is making his 24th world title defense is getting closer to the record of boxing legend Joe Louis who managed to make the most world title defenses of all times: Louis defended the heavyweight world title from 1937 to 1950 a total of 25 times.
For this event the huge Color Line Arena of Hamburg will be sold out with 14.000 spectators. Five days prior to the event only a few hundred tickets are left.
“I’m going to win”, Michalczewski promised. “The prospect to reach the record of Marciano is a great motivation for me. I’m very happy that this important fight takes place at the Color Line Arena. My mind is very positive and I’m in top shape. Now I hope that it’s going to be a beautiful fight.”
The 35-year-old German-Polish fighter has a lot of respect for his 27-year-old Mexican foe who lost only once in 35 professional contests when he dropped a 12-round decision to former light heavyweight champion Roy Jones Jr. Gonzalez is currently ranked WBO #2, WBA #3 and IBF #3. The independent rankings of Fightnews.com rank Gonzalez in the top-4 which also include WBO champion Michalczewski, WBA title holder Branco and WBC-IBF champ Tarver.
„Michalczewski is a great fighter and he is a man who is coming forward all the time just like me“, Gonzalez said. “I don’t care for the record. I just want to take the world title away from him. I expect a tough fight toe to toe.”
„This is a great chance for me“, the Mexican continued who clearly outheighs Michalczewski at 6 feet 2 (1,88). “His German fans may route for him. But once inside the ring it’s just me and him.”
On the undercard former Europan heavyweight champion Luan Krasniqi will take on British Julius Francis in an 8-rounder. In another title fight undefeated jr. middleweight prospect Sergej Dzinziruk will take on Ariel Chaves in a defense of his WBO intercontinental belt.
The event will be broadcasted worldwide in more than 20 countries.
„Never a fight of Michalczewski was broadcasted live in more countries“, promoter Klaus-Peter Kohl said. “We continuously cooperate with other countries and the international TV market is our objective. The fight will also be televised in the US on ESPN.”