IBF Middleweight Champion Sebastian Sylvester (33-3, 16 KOs) will return to the ring on October 30 when he defends his title against Mahir Oral (28-2, 11 KOs) in Rostock, Germany. It will be the Hurricane´s third defence after winning the belt in September 2009. “This will be a very interesting fight,” Team Sauerland General Manager Chris Meyer said at today´s press conference. “Mahir Oral did very well against Arthur Abraham when they met in June 2009. I am sure he will be highly motivated to take the title from Sebastian. I expect a tough bout with the better ending for the ‘Hurriance’.”

Sylvester and Oral will not only fight for the IBF title but also for supremacy in North Germany. Oral lives in Hamburg, while Sylvester can count on the support of the fans in and around Rostock. There are just 120 miles between the two cities. “My home fans will offer great support once again and with their help I will defeat Oral,” the champion said. “He is a strong opponent. Against a big hitter like Arthur Abraham he showed his class last year, especially in the early rounds. I know he will fight until the very end so I will be prepared for a spectacular battle.”

Oral fancies his chances of becoming world champion after a most recent coaching change. “On a personal level I really got along well with ex-coach Hans-Jurgen Witte but boxing-wise it was the weakest period of my career,” Oral said. “My new coach Bulent Basar has worked with a lot of experienced coaches and he really has my respect. There will be a lot of surprises waiting for Sebastian Sylvester.”