The European Heavyweight Title is up for grabs for Kubrat Pulev. On May 5 the boxing world will be watching the two World Boxing Organization (WBO) world champions Marco Huck (34-2, 25 KOs) and Robert Stieglitz (41-2, 23 KOs) defending their cruiserweight and super-middleweight titles respectively at the Messehalle in Erfurt. But the championship bouts don´t end there. Kubrat Pulev (15-0, 7 KOs) and Alexander “Sascha” Dimitrenko (32-1, 23 KOs) will fight it out for the vacant European crown of the heavyweight division.
On paper it would seem that Dimitrenko has a slight advantage over his opponent. With a height of 1,94-meter Pulev is seven centimeters smaller than Dimitrenko. But that doesn´t bother the Bulgarian one bit. “Size does not matter if the tactics are right,” said a confident Pulev. “In training I have been sparring against taller guys. One was 2,01-meter and one was 2,05-meter.” Dimitrenko himself couldn´t say whether or not his size will tilt the scale in his favor. “We will see what will happen inside the ring.”
The level of experience as a professional boxer also speaks for the German. Pulev, though, knows that he makes up for it through his seemingly countless fights as an amateur. “I have competed in more than 300 fights as an amateur. I even won the European title back in 2008 on that level,” commented the 30-year-old. “I believe that we are on an even playing field looking at our experience.” Dimitrenko himself knows that he doesn´t have an easy challenge on his hands. “You should never underestimate your opponent,” according to the 29-year old.
As the former European champion, Dimitrenko is highly motivated to regain his belt. After suffering an injury during his last fight against Michael Sprott, which ended in a unanimous decision in his favor, the EBU stripped him of the title. Now he is desperate to get it back. “My title was taken off me, unjustified I might add,” so the German. “Therefore I still see it as my belt and I will get it back.” But Pulev will not make it easy for him. According to him it is no question who will be victorious on May 5. “The only thing that I can say for sure is that I will win.”
Although both fighters are convinced that they will be victorious, neither of them could say in what way they will end the fight. “You really can never tell what is going to happen. Every fight and every opponent is different and predictions hard to make,” said the Bulgarian. The only thing that both boxers can guarantee is that it is going to be a great matchup between two rising stars of the division.
Live Championship Boxing Returns to Mountaineer This Saturday!
8-Time World Champion Roy Jones Jr. in association with TNT Promotions Presents “Live Championship Boxing from The Harv at Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack & Resort” on Saturday April 28th. A Double Feature is planned for the evening’s headliners when Youngtown, OH’s Jake “The Bull” Giuriceo (15W-0L-1D, 3KO) battles former World Boxing Council (WBC) Latino Super Lightweight Champion Juan “Chago” Santiago (14W-8L-1D, 8KO) and power punching sensation Joel Diaz Jr. (8W-0L, 7KO) takes on Colombian native Yogli “Olafo” Herrera (22W-14L, 15KO).
Giuriceo is looking to fight his way into the world rankings when stepping in with the rugged Santiago, a proven contender with multiple national television appearances. Diaz Jr. gained national recognition earlier this year after rising from the canvas to score a stunning TKO victory over previously undefeated Guy Robb televised on SHOWTIME. The experienced veteran Herrera looks to test the chin of the prospect once again as he has done with many of the top names in the division never backing down from a challenge. Herrera’s career losses were to opponents who had an astonishing combined record of 216W-17L at the time he fought them.
In the evening’s “Special Attraction”, former WBO World Title Challenger Brian “The Beast” Minto (35W-5L, 22KO) returns to face vs. former Arena Football player 6’4″ Behemoth Matt “Hurricane” Hicks (13W-6L, 12KO).
This blockbuster event will include a full night of exciting action and entertainment. In store are matchups:
The heated rematch of a previous Draw earlier in the year between Welterweights Billy “The Boilermaker” Hutchinson and Augustin Cicero, Super Middleweights “Big Chief” Morgan Fitch vs. Romon “Abnormal” Barber, Light Heavyweights Jaque “Lights Out” Lutz vs. “Tiger” Michael Wilmer, and Welterweights Sammy Vasquez Jr. vs. Damon Antoine.
Base ticket prices are VIP $100, Section A $50, Section B $35, and Bleachers $25. Tickets can be purchased at Mountaineer Casino’s Players Club in person or by calling the Players Club at 1-800-804-0468 Ext: 8297, online at www.MOREatMountaineer.com or www.Etix.com
1st bell is at 7:30 PM.
Bouts subject to change.
About Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack & Resort
Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack & Resort, located in Chester, WV, is owned and operated by MTR Gaming Group. Mountaineer Casino features slot machines, table games, live poker tables, a thoroughbred racetrack, an upscale hotel with amenities, golf course, fine dining and entertainment, a theater and events center, and a convention center. Visit Mountaineer at www.MoreAtMountaineer.com or call 800-804-0468.