Former European Middleweight Champion Sebastian Sylvester will make his first fight under the guidance of Karsten Rower on February 28 when he takes on Gaetano Nespro for the WBA International Middleweight Title. It will be the Hurricane´s first appearance since losing a unanimous points decision against WBA Middleweight Champion Felix Sturm. “I am very happy that my promoter Sauerland Event have arranged a title fight straight away,” Sylvester said. “Not only do I have the best memories of Italian opponents but also of Neubrandenburg.” Last April, the Hurricane (29-3, 14 KOs) knocked out Javier Castillejo in spectacular fashion to put himself in a position for a world title fight. “The atmosphere in the Jahnsportforum was great,” he added. “I am thrilled to make my first fight under Karsten Rower in Neubrandenburg. It will be a home match and very special because we are both from Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania.” Nespro 14-4 (2 KOs) has won ten of his last 11 fights.
In the co-featured main event, European Super-Middleweight Champion Karo Murat (18-0, 11 KOs) will be counting on history to repeat itself. On the same night when Sylvester bested Castillejo, Murat celebrated the biggest success of his career by depriving then-champion Cristian Sanavia (40-4, 12 KOs) of his title. Now the duo will battle out the rematch. “I have beaten him once and I will beat him again,” Karo Murat
said. “Since winning the title I have become much stronger.”
WBC Final Eliminator Hide vs. Godfrey on March 6th in Cuxhaven
“The Dancing Destroyer” will be back at the North Sea on March 6th. Herbie Hide will return to the Kugelbake-Halle in Cuxhaven, Germany, for his WBC Final Eliminator against Matt Godfrey. In his last fight on November 18th, 2008, Hide won an unexpected hard fought unanimous decision over Polish journeyman Lukasz Rusiewicz.
“I was sick at that time and could not show my real power and speed”, says Herbie. “That’s why I am very happy that I can go back to Cuxhaven and show the people there the real “Dancing Destroyer”. I will get rid of Godfrey in style to go on and become cruiserweight champion of the world.”
If Hide is true to his word he could make history in becoming the first former world heavyweight champion to claim the cruiserweight title. The winner of Hide vs. Godfrey is set to face the winner of the WBC title bout between Giacobbe Fragomeni and Krysztof Wlodarczyk (March 27th in Milan).
“Herbie might be world champion by summer”, states promoter Ahmet Öner. “Nobody would have thought that when he first signed with me two years ago. I was the only one who trusted in him. I knew that he still had what it takes to achieve great things. Herbie is special.”
There will be seven fights in Cuxhaven in total. Eurosport will broadcast the show live on March 6th from 9pm on.
PAUL EDWARDS might have only had two professional bouts, but he's already eyeing up a British flyweight title fight.
The 5ft 5in scouser boxes on the undercard when Chris Edwards and Wayne Bloy square off for the vacant British and Commonwealth flyweight title at Fenton Manor, Stoke on Friday.
Liverpool has produced some of Britain's finest ever eight stone fighters over the years including Keith Wallace, Peter Kane and the hugely under-rated Peter Culshaw.
Edwards, 22, hasn't lost a round since turning professional last year outpointing Robert Palmer and wily veteran Delroy Spencer.
If he remains unbeaten it looks certain that he will contest domestic honours later this year against Chris or Wayne.
Edwards who boxed for the famous Salisbury ABC and won the 2005 ABA title is convinced he'll become 'Lord of the Flies' as a professional.
He said: "This is just my third pro fight but already I am right up there in the British ratings and there is already talk of a title shot.
"Being a flyweight isn't like fighting at feather or super-middle, there aren't a lot of us about so it's easy to climb up the ratings fast.
"Realistically, I could be fighting for the British title inside the next year so I am loving every minute of it."
Promoter Frank Maloney said: "Apart from heavyweight boxing, the flyweights have always been my favourite division.
"It is fantastic that the division is coming alive in Britain again and I believe Paul can be the flag bearer.
Tickets for 'Stoking the Fire' which is being televised live by Sky Sports are selling fast and can be purchased by calling 0871 226 1508 or by logging on to www.frankmaloney.com. Prices £35 and £70
