IBF Middleweight Champion Sebastian Sylvester is brimming with confidence ahead of his mandatory defence against Roman Karmazin. The 29-year-old German (30-3, 16 KOs) is under pressure to keep the belt for a very special reason. “I will get married this summer and I want to get married as world champion,” he said. “Karmazin will not spoil my wedding. He is a strong guy with a good left but we have carefully analysed him. I know I got what it takes to beat him. With the help of my fans in Neubrandenburg, I will defend my title for a second time and then get married as a world champion..”
Karmazin (40-3, 26 KOs) is determined to put his name into the history books. “I want to become the first Russian who has been a world champion in two different weight classes,” the former IBF Light-Middleweight titlist said. “Sylvester really trains hard and is in good shape, but I am here to win and spoil his party.” That is why Sylvester´s coach Karsten Rower has prepared his fighter for a tough night. “Karmazin is strong, but Sebastian has worked very well during the long preparation. We have a good game plan and will make sure the belt stays in Germany.”
In the co-featured main event, Steve “USS” Cunningham (22-2, 11 KOs) will make his first fight under the promotional banner of Team Sauerland when he clashes with Troy Ross (23-1, 16 KOs) for the vacant IBF Cruiserweight Title. “That will be a hell of a fight,” Kalle Sauerland said. “We are thrilled to have signed Steve Cunningham. We know what he can do to his opponents. I am sure he will win back his title on Saturday night.” The former IBF Champion, who has defeated all three fellow cruiserweight champions (Huck/Jones/Wlodarcyzk) during the course of his glorious career, is eager to get into the ring. “We have had a great preparation in America and also here in Germany,” he said. “I am ready. I know what I have to do to beat Ross. We look forward to starting our cooperation with Team Sauerland.”
Ross also voiced his confidence. “I have a lot of respect for Steve,” he said. “He is a great fighter and a very good athlete. But we have a good game plan and will make the right adjustments to defeat him on Saturday.”