Dimitrenko Will Bail Universum, Possible Sauerland Move?

By Luke Furman

Former European heavyweight champion in the heavyweight Alexander Dimitrenko (32-1, 21KOs) is still very angry with his current promoter, Universum, and makes it clear that he plans to break his contact in September, when their promotional pact expires. Dimitrenko is set to face Kubrat Pulev (15-0, 7KOs) for the vacant EBU title on March 31 in Germany, but he may not box until his contract with Universum runs out.

"I will terminate the contract with Universum. I will not box again for the Hamburg club, because I need to progress. But due to the fact that the contract between us is valid until September, most likely, I will not be able to enter the ring until that time. I broke the contract unilaterally. I'm using the time right now to consider my options for cooperating with other promoters," Dimitrenko said.

"In March 2011, the head of Universum, Waldemar Kluch, said that everything was getting better and after a month or two [Universum] was going to sign a television contract. It is now February 2012, and things are [not done]. I do not like people who do not keep their word. If you are a man, you should keep your word, and if you can not - do not squander the promise."

Dimitrenko was recently spotted sitting ringside for last Saturday's big card in Frankfurt, which featured Yoan Pablo Hernandez beating Steve Cunningham in the main event. The big show was promoted by Sauerland Event, who dominate the action in Germany and also promote the majority of the top European heavyweights outside of the Klitschko brothers. Several German insiders expect Dimitrenko to explore a possible move to Sauerland.

Luke Furman covers boxing for bokser.org.