The WBO are set to crown an interim champion at cruiserweight when Germany’s Roman Fress does battle with countryman Tahir Kahrovic at the Messhall in Magdeburg on March 7.
The 29-year-old Kahrovic, who has spent his entire career going by the name of Tommy Punch, is unbeaten in 23 bouts (all wins, 15 KOs) but is yet to advance beyond 10-round level. He’s ranked No. 3 in the WBO rankings despite not yet encountering a world class opponent. He did, however, win the WBO European belt in 2023 when he outpointed Emil Markic over 10 and made a successful defense the following year, over the same distance, against Miljan Djordjevic.
Fress, 23-1 (13 KOs), is better known on the world stage but he’s also lacking both a standout victory on his record and an assignment over the championship distance. The Robert Stieglitz-trained 31-year-old finds himself at No. 1 in the cruiserweight rankings, regardless. In May, he won the WBO inter-continental title with a 10-round points victory over Michael Seitz. His lone loss came back in 2021 when he lost a split decision over 10 rounds to Armend Xhoxhaj.
The event will be a Blanko Sports/SES co-promotion.
