Francesco Pianeta (18-0, 11 KOs) will defend his EU Heavyweight Title against former European Champion Matt Skelton (22-3, 19 KOs) in Neubrandenburg on September 19. The duo will clash on the undercard of the IBF Middleweight Title fight between Sebastian Sylvester and Giovanni Lorenzo. Pianata is full of respect for his experienced opponent. “Skelton is a tough fighter,” he said. “He was the European Champion and also fought for the WBA Heavyweight Title. It is not easy to box him. He is a strong puncher but I am faster and I will beat him.”

Pianeta won the WBC Youth Heavyweight Title last year before stopping Scott “The Hammer” Gammer in August 2008 to clinch the EU Heavyweight Title. He bagged a clear points victory over Johann Duhaupas before settling for a draw in an epic clash with Albert Sosnowski in April 2009. “I thought I had won the fight but I accept the judges´ verdict,” Pianeta said. “I should have made better use of my jab. I would love to fight Sosnowski again but all my focus is on the mandatory defence against Skelton. Things have been going very well in practice. I want to become a top heavyweight and the only thing that gets me to the top are victories.