02.11.06 – René Dettweiler is determined to make the most out of his surprise shot at the EU-heavyweight belt. The clash with Great Britain´s Michael Sprott has been lined up on short notice after cruiserweight Marco Huck had to pull out of his meeting with Pietro Aurino due to an arm injury. “Of course it was a bit of a surprise,” said Dettweiler of his first-ever title fight. “But I have been practicing anyway. It´s not a problem for me to fight against such a strong opponent. I consider it a big opportunity of which I will try to make the most of.” ..
Coach Manfred Wolke shared the optimism of his gifted youngster. “He certainly has enough potential,” Wolke stated. “The time is right for him to go up against these opponents. If he lives up to his potential, he will win this fight.”
Dettweiler has been unfazed by the fact that ring veteran Sprott has 20 more fights to his name than the unbeaten German, who has won all of his 18 bouts. “I simply can´t have his experience, but I hope my tactics and my technique will make up for it,” said Dettweiler. Sprott is no stranger to fighting on German soil – three of his last six bouts have taken place in Deutschland. “I am in great shape and full of confidence,” the 31-year-old said at Thursday´s public training session.
Two of Sprott´s former opponents will also cross swords on Saturday night in Muelheim: Cengiz Koc (23-2) and Timo Hoffmann (34-4), who have a lot in common. Both have tasted defeat against the hard-hitting Briton, both fight out of the Sauerland camp and both are in desperate need of a win to revitalize their careers. “The Sauerland guys want to know with whom they can plan to tackle the elite,” said Koc. “I want to be among the world´s best fighters. And if I can´t get past Timo, I don´t deserve a place up there. But defeat is not an option for me.”
Koc will be coached by Ulli Wegner, while Hoffmann recently left Wolke to work with Uwe Schuster. “Cengiz and I get along very well but once we step through the ropes we will be rivals,” Hoffmann vowed. “All that matters is the fight.”
And coach Schuster added: “Koc is much smaller and will therefore attack. I have prepared Timo for that. The tactic is pretty clear.”