By Ruslan Chikov
The official challenger to the European heavyweight title, Alexander Dimitrenko, is already calling for his shot at the new champion, Audley Harrison. Dimitrenko (29-1, 19KOs) watched on the internet as Harrison (27-4, 20 KOs) knocked out Michael Sprott (32-15, 17 KOs) in the twelfth round to win the vacant Euro title at Alexandra Palace in London.
"I followed the fight live on the internet and I have to say that it was a very good fight. Both of them gave it their all. It was a very interesting fight to watch. Harrison was clearly behind on points, and he needed a knockout to win, and he actually did it so it was very impressive. He will be a good opponent for me. I look forward to a great fight. I think I can still keep Harrison in check," Dimitrenko said.
Dimitrenko is shaking off last year's loss to Eddie Chambers.
"This was a one-time aberration. I now have a new coach in Michael Timm, who has produced many world champions, including heavyweight Ruslan Chagaev. We have developed a good concept and I can once again go after the heavyweight championship. I am excited about the opportunity and I've discussed it with my promoter Klaus-Peter Kohl, and I want the European Championship," Dimitrenbko said.
"I am very looking forward to this. Harrison demonstrated yesterday that he is in good shape, but I will defeat him. I will be European champion. And I'm sure of this. The second match against Sprott was a very good fight, but not magic. I am ready to Audley."