European middleweight champion Sebastian Sylvester (28-2, 13 KOs) is just one win away from a world title fight. If he beats Javier Castillejo in Neubrandenburg on April 12, he will be the new mandatory challenger of WBA champion Felix Sturm. "I am looking forward to fighting Castillejo," the Hurricane said. "Against a world-class opponent like him I will prove that I am ready for a world title shot." Castillejo (62-7, 43 KOs) became Sturm´s mandatory challenger last November when he defeated Mariano Natalio Carrera.
Sylvester, who will make a third defence of his European belt, is full of respect for Castillejo. "He is a tough fighter. It will not be easy to defeat him but I am confident of success," Sylvester added. "I´m sure the fans in Neubrandenburg will give me the support I need to beat someone of his class."
In the co-feature, up-and-coming super-middleweight Karo Murat will challenge European champion Cristian Sanavia (40-3, 12 KOs). "When my coach Ulli Wegner called to say I will get a European title fight, I couldn´t believe it," unbeaten Murat (16-0, 11 KOs) said. "The fight against Sanavia will be a big chance for me. Even though he defends very well, he is constantly on the front foot. I have a lot of respect for him. But I have been fighting many good opponents as an amateur and also as a professional. I´m ready."
Also in action will be cruiserweight Marco Huck (19-1, 14 KOs), who returns to the ring for the first time since his 12th-round TKO loss against IBF champion Steve Cunningham. "I want to keep improving," he said. "On April 12 I can show that I have learned from the last fight."