WBO Cruiserweight Champion Marco “Captain” Huck (28-1, 21 KOs) and American challenger Brian “The Beast” Minto (34-3, 21 KOs) today came face-to-face for the first time ahead of Saturday´s world title clash in Oldenburg, Germany. Just like yesterday at the press training, Minto was again wearing dark sunglasses – but only until Huck took them off him during the stare-down. “I wanted to see his eyes,” the champion said. “And he should get a good look at me so that he has an idea of what will be waiting for him on Saturday. I never underestimate any opponent, but Minto will not be leaving with my title, you can be sure of that.”
Huck has predicted to personally make Minto pay for retiring German legend Axel Schulz back in 2006. “I cannot understand why he wants to do that,” Minto said. “This is a completely different fight and has nothing to do with Schulz. I am in great shape and I am here to win the title.” Yet Huck feels he owes one to Schulz. “I was a big fan of him and I really wanted to see him fight again, but Minto spoiled his comeback. Now I will make him pay big time.”
Meanwhile, Pat Nelson, Minto´s manager, expects an exciting battle. “Huck and Brian have very similar styles so it will be an action-packed contest. Brian has not come all the way to Germany to lose – he is here to win the title.” Said Ulli Wegner: “Minto is a strong opponent, but Marco has continued his impressive development. He has matured as a fighter, inside and outside the ring. He certainly got what it takes to beat Minto, but he needs to stick to the game plan.”
On the undercard, WBO Intercontinental Light Heavyweight Champion Karo Murat (21-0, 13 KOs) defends his title against Tommy Karpency (19-1, 12 KOs), while up-and-coming middleweight Dominik Britsch (18-0, 7 KOs) takes on Alessio Furlan (24-15, 9 KOs).
Daniel "The Haitian Sensation" Edouard (22-2-2 KOs 13) makes his return to action Friday, April 30 at the illustrious Hotel Melia Panama Canal, Colon City, Panama. Edouard, whose last fight was nearly a year ago, has been a constant presence in the boxing gym and feels he is in supreme condition.
"My conditioning is great. I had an excellent camp and I'm ready to go." A buzz started when Edouard was slated to face Sergio Mora on the undercard of the Roy Jones Junior/Bernard Hopkins rematch, but ultimately, he was not able to commit to that fight due to family crisis. He continued, "The business of boxing sometimes causes you to wait. Then there are times life makes you wait. I'm just happy the wait is over."
Edouard, ranked #11 WBA, #20 WBC and #14 IBF/USBA, as his ring name implies, is of Haitian decent. Common to the entire Haitian community, of which Edouard is no exception, are the still lingering signs of a massive earthquake that hit the island country in early January.
"We have suffered great loss as a people and on individual levels as well, but we are not discouraged. We are working hard to rebuild that which was lost and improve those things we can. It isn't an easy task, but we are faithful that as we continue moving forward we will get it done."
Immediately following the earthquake, Edouard, who is actively involved in humanitarian work through Haitian Sensation Foundation, relocated his boxing camp to his native homeland. "Moving the camp to Haiti allowed me to keep assisting in relief efforts while staying focused on my next fight."
Edouard faces current Panamanian light middleweight champion, Jose Arosemena (12-5-2 KOs 10), who is described as a knock out artist. Arosemena hopes to advance his career at the expense of The Haitian Sensation.
"We both have the same goal, to win. Only one fighter can win though. I intend for that fighter to be me."
