On September 24th Darnell Wilson upset former WBC cruiserweight champion and world heavyweight championship contender Juan Carlos Gomez at a Universum show in Hamburg, Germany. Now ARENA-CEO Ahmet Oner signed an exclusive promotional deal with the "Ding-A-Ling Man“.
"Beating a home fighter like Gomez at a Universum show in Germany is almost impossible but Darnell won that fight in impressive fashion“, states Oner. "I think Darnell made himself a name in Germany and he should enter the world ratings now so it made sense for us to sign the deal.“
On October 14th German heavyweight contenders Konstantin Airich (21-5-2) and Varol Vekiloglu (18-2-1) face off for the vacant IBF intercontinental championship at Mehrzweckhalle Obertraubling in Regensburg, Germany. The winner of the bout will earn a top 15 position in the IBF rankings qualifying him for a world title fight against Wladimir Klitschko.
"Klitschko picked Mormeck for his next bout in December who is currently ranked on no. 12 by the IBF“, says Vekiloglu’s manager and trainer Robert Rolle. "The winner of the Oct. 14th intercontinental championship should end up in that region so it is possible to earn a title shot by winning this fight. Germany is the main market for the Klitschkos so they might pick a German opponent next who qualified by beating another German contender.“
Of course, the perspective of possibly challenging the dominant world champion is extra motivation for both competitors. „The Relentless Lion“ Vekiloglu says he rather bites in the ring than roaring before the fight.
"I’m not a man of big words“, says Vekiloglu. "I know that this is my big chance to entert he big leagues. Konstantin Airich is a very experienced and tough opponent. They say he is one of the hardest hitters out there and I will surely not underestimate him. But I’m very well prepared for this challenge and I believe in my own strength.“
Airich is also convinced that he will be victorious and win the vacant title. "I know what I’m capabla of“, says the "Sandman“. "I have been in the ring with a lot of excellent opponents over the last years. This is a big opportunity for me and I thank ARENA for putting me into this fight. I’m looking forward to October 14th.“
Airich vs. Vekiloglu will be broadcasted live on Eurosport on October 14th at 21.00h (9pm CET). The co-main event of the "Heavy Night in Regensburg“ features local hero Alexander Petkovic in a WBA international heyvweight championship.