Lolenga Mock has secured a WBC world title eliminator against Avni Yidirim and will spar the world’s leading amateurs in Cuba as part of a gruelling training regime.

Mock, who at 46 has defied doubters by charging to a super-middleweight ranking with 11 straight victories, will take on a man two decades his senior in Yildirim (19-1-KO11) in Germany on September 15.

The Congolese, who fights out of Denmark, said: “I’m so excited. It’s always been my dream to become a world champion. I’ve thought about it my whole life and I’m looking forward to taking another step closer.

“The level I have to achieve is my best ever and that’s why I’m heading to Cuba for five weeks. I don’t want to cut corners. I want the best sparring available so I can improve yet again.

“One of my trainers is Cuban so we’re going over there and I’m going to spar lots of young fighters. Every day will be a challenge because they’re all fast, high quality boxers.

“As always, it will be tough to be away from my family but it will all be worth it in the end.”

Yildirim, who lost to Chris Eubank Jr in the World Boxing Super Series last year, claimed his WBC ranking title in March by outpointing Derek Edwards.

IN OTHER NEWS: Legendary trainer and renowned commentator TEDDY ATLAS and International Boxing Hall of Famer BARRY TOMPKINS will hit Chicago on Friday, June 8, 2018 to call the light heavyweight championship clash between #3 World Ranked Light Heavyweight MIKE LEE, (20-0-0, 11 KO’s), and JOSE HERNANDEZ, (19-3-1, 9 KO’s), of Lancaster, CA at the Allstate Arena in Rosemont, IL. Contested for the NABO Light Heavyweight Title, the bout will be nationally telecast live on CBS Sports Network beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.

Best known for his work on ESPN for over twenty years, Atlas was the winner of the Sam Taub Award in 2001 for excellence in broadcast journalism. He has also provided boxing commentary for NBC working the last five Olympic games.

In addition to training legendary heavyweight world champion MIKE TYSON, Atlas has also guided five-time world champion TIMOTHY BRADLEY and former heavyweight world champion MICHAEL MOORER.