Zeuge bids to make history this Saturday, Ogogo gets Kubin

By Terence Dooley

Tyron Zeuge (18-0, 10 KOs) believes that he can become Germany’s youngest ever world titlist on Saturday night with a win over Italy’s WBA World Super middleweight holder Giovanni De Carolis (24-6, 12 KOs).  They meet at the Max-Schmeling-Halle in Berlin on a show that will be televised by SAT.1 in Germany and Sky Sports in the U.K.

Zeuge is confident that he can eclipse Graciano ‘Rocky’ Rocchigiani’s record of winning a title at 24 years and 73 days by 8 days with a win over the 31-year-old reigning title-holder.

Sauerland have handed him hometown advantage to help steady his pre-fight nerves, but the challenger insists that he will have ice in his veins come the first bell.  “I’m not nervous,” he said when speaking about the fight. 

“I know there is a lot at stake, but I will approach this fight the same way I do every fight.  I will not let anything affect my focus.  I will concentrate on what I have to do in the ring, go in there and win the fight.”

He added: “Berlin is my city, and it’s always nice to fight at home.  It will be a great feeling to have all my family and friends there supporting me and hopefully cheering me to victory.  I look forward to celebrating with them all after the fight.’’

Unusually, Zeuge is trained by fighter-coach Juergen Braehmer, the current WBA World light-heavyweight holder; he revealed that Braehmer’s insights have been a huge benefit. 

“Working with Juergen has been a real eye opener for me.  He has shown me what it takes to make it to the top.  My work rate and discipline has increased and I’ve never been better prepared.  He is also very calm in the corner and I trust him to give me the right instructions in the ring.  He is a world class fighter and a world class coach, and together we will make history.”

The undercard has been boosted by the addition of Britain’s middleweight contender Anthony Ogogo (10-0, 6 KOs), who meets Bronislav Kubin (19-21-2, 12 early). 

The former Olympian recently returned from an injury-induced layoff to register wins over Gary Cooper and Frane Radnic.  The Kubin encounter will be his third outing in as many months as he bids to make up for lost time.

“I’m looking forward to fighting in Germany again,” stated Ogogo.  “My last fight there was bitter sweet.  I got the win but dislocated my shoulder in the second round.  Now, I’m back, I’m fully fit and I’m going to show the German fans what I can really do.

“I’ve feeling fit, sharp and strong and have managed to put together two good wins in quick succession and I’m ready for my third.  I want to prove I’m a league above and that I’m ready to face the best in the division.  After the summer, I’m coming for the titles.”

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