Tweet
By Sammy Rozenberg - In a fight that many are calling one of the biggest upsets of the last few years, former light heavyweight champion Henry Maske (31-1, 11 KOs) returned to the ring after a 10-year layoff to win a unanimous decision over the reigning WBA cruiserweight champion Virgil Hill (50-6, 23 KOs). The fight was a non-title affair at the Olympic Hall in Munich, Germany.
The fight was marred with criticism from Germany and several countries abroad. Most said that Maske was far too old to be competitive after being away from the ring for a decade. Maske's own countrymen, like retired former champion Sven Ottke, felt Maske had little chance of winning.
"This is not good for the sport. If things go normally, Henry doesn't have a ghost of a chance. He can't have any reflexes left," said Ottke.
Thousands of Germans were polled and only 26 percent of believed that Maske could pull off the upset win. Ten-years ago, Maske was one of the biggest stars in Germany, and was beginning to get recognition as one of the best light heavyweights in the world from experts outside of the country. [details]
The fight was marred with criticism from Germany and several countries abroad. Most said that Maske was far too old to be competitive after being away from the ring for a decade. Maske's own countrymen, like retired former champion Sven Ottke, felt Maske had little chance of winning.
"This is not good for the sport. If things go normally, Henry doesn't have a ghost of a chance. He can't have any reflexes left," said Ottke.
Thousands of Germans were polled and only 26 percent of believed that Maske could pull off the upset win. Ten-years ago, Maske was one of the biggest stars in Germany, and was beginning to get recognition as one of the best light heavyweights in the world from experts outside of the country. [details]
Comment