Danish featherweight Dennis Ceylan (13-0-1, 7 KOs) faces the toughest test of his career when he steps up to face former world champion Dmitry Kirillov (31-5-1, 10 KOs) on March 14 at the Ballerup Super Arena in Copenhagen.
Kirillov, a former IBF World Champion and WBC World title challenger, has fought consistently at the highest level. The Russian has won thirty-one of his thirty-seven professional contests and never lost a non-title fight.
‘’This fight is another step up for me,’’ admits Ceylan. ‘’Kirillov is a former world champion and without a doubt the toughest opponent I have faced. I have to be ready. I have to prove my worth and show I have what it takes to make it to the top.
‘’2015 can be a big year for me but only if I win this fight. If I lose, I’m back to square one. I want to be involved in big fights, I want to challenge for titles, and to do that, I must beat Kirillov!’’
Kirillov is no stranger to the Danish boxing fans. In 2002 he travelled to the Viborg Stadionhal to challenge Spend Abazi for the European title, losing a close points decision to the adopted Dane.
To emulate his countryman’s success, Ceylan must be at his best. The 25 year-old can take heart from his last performance, a show stealing seventh-round stoppage of Cristian Montilla in their rematch earlier this month.
‘’I knew I was a better boxer than Montilla and I proved that in our rematch,’’ said Ceylan. ‘’I was sick when we fought for the first time. I probably shouldn’t have taken the fight, but I was too cocky. I thought I couldn’t lose, that I was indestructible.
‘’The draw was good for me, it taught me a lot. It grounded me and motivated me to work harder than ever. Now, I’m happy I can draw a line under it and move forward with my career.’’
The Kirillov fight represents a significant step forward in the Aarhus-boxer’s career, with a potential European title fight on the horizon should he win.
Said promoter Nisse Sauerland: ‘’Dennis was back to his best in the rematch with Montilla, but he will need to be even better to beat Kirillov. The Russian is as tough as they come, and will be coming to Denmark to cause an upset. If Dennis beats him, he will make a big statement and his next fight could well be a European Championship challenge.’’
Patrick Nielsen (23-1, 11 KOs) headlines the March 14 show at the Ballerup Super Arena. The 23 year-old southpaw has moved up in weight and will face George Tahdooahnippah (34-1-2, 24 KOs) in his super middleweight debut. All the action will be shown live in Denmark on TV3 and TV3 Sport channels. Tickets are available via billetlugen.dk.
Swedish heavyweight Otto Wallin (9-0, 7 KOs) can claim his tenth professional victory when he takes on David Gegeshidze (14-7-1, 3 KOs) on March 14 at the Ballerup Super Arena in Copenhagen, Denmark.
Wallin enjoyed a successful 2014, recording five wins including four stoppages. On March 14, the 24 year-old from Sundsvall returns for the first time in 2015, eager to continue his run of good form.
‘’2014 was a great year for me. I got five good wins under my belt and I’ve been progressing with every fight,’’ said Wallin. ‘’I feel like I’ve really settled in Copenhagen now, since moving to here to be closer to my coach Joey Gamache. I’ve got a great training set up and fantastic team around me. Everything has fallen into place and I think that has really benefitted me in the ring.
‘’In 2015, I want to keep improving. It’s important that I don’t become complacent. I need to work hard and do my best to get better everyday. There is still a long way to go. I’m only 24 years old, so I’m in no rush to challenge for titles, but when the times comes, I will be ready!’’
To get the New Year off to a winning start, Wallin must overcome David Gegeshidze, who he meets in his third eight-round contest.
‘’He’s an awkward opponent so I will need to be careful,’’ said Wallin. ‘’It’s important that I take the fight to him and dictate the pace. I have to make him fight my fight or he could cause some problems. But I’m confident. I’ve been training hard and I’ve still got three weeks to go. Everything is going to plan!’’
Swedish KO king Oscar Ahlin (11-0, 9 KOs) is also in action at the Ballerup Super Arena on March 14, alongside Danish boxing star Patrick Nielsen (23-1, 11 KOs) who faces George Tahdooahnippah (34-1-2, 24 KOs) in his super middleweight debut. The Nordic Fight Night will be broadcast on TV10 in Sweden. Tickets are available via billetlugen.dk.
