Sylvester vs Simon Set For Abraham Card on 6/27

Jun 11, 2009 • 12:00 AM ET

Sebastian Sylvester is determined to fight for the world title again soon. He could make a giant stride into the right direction with a victory over Lajuan Simon. The duo will come face-to-face on the Abraham undercard in Berlin on June 27. Sylvester will defend his IBF International Middleweight Title, with the bout also serving as an eliminator for the IBF number 2 spot. Giovanni Lorenzo, who will face King Arthur this fall, is currently in the top spot. “If Sebastian defeats Simon we would be very well positioned within the IBF, with Arthur the champion and Sebastian the number 2,” Sauerland Event General Manager Chris Meyer said.

Sylvester (30-3, 15 KOs), who had challenged WBA middleweight champion Felix Sturm last November, returned to winning ways in February when he knocked out Gaetano Nespro in the seventh round. He is back in the top ten of all leading boxing associations and now looks to follow it up with a success against Simon (21-1, 12 KOs). But after the American gave King Arthur a tough fight in March, Sylvester will not take him lightly. “I saw the fight on TV,” Sylvester said. “I did not know that I would box him. But now I know what to expect in Berlin. It is quite an accomplishment to go the distance with Arthur Abraham. Simon did not show any signs of fear and kept marching forward despite taking several strong shots. He tried very hard and fought very well.”

Under the guidance of Karsten Rower, Sylvester is currently shaping up in Gustrow in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. “Things are going very well,” he said. “I am really blossoming. My coach knows how to motivate me. If I have a bad day, he knows how to deal with it, ordering me to go running. Then everything is fine again. I really enjoy working with him.”

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Sylvester vs Simon Set For Abraham Card on 6/27

BySauerland Event

Jun 11, 2009 • 12:00 AM ET

Sauerland Event Profile

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