By Jake Donovan

Fresh off of his convincing stoppage win over Firat Arslan in their rematch last month, cruiserweight titlist Marco Huck is set to return to the ring on May 3 in Germany. 

The opponent has not yet been set, but the venue has been established – as have the stakes. 

Huck's bout will take place at the MHP Arena in Ludwigsburg, Germany. A win - assuming he and his forthcoming opponent make weight and the bout remains sanctioned as a title fight - would give him a cruiserweight record-tying 13th successful defense, pulling him even with former titlist Johnny Nelson, who reigned from 1995 to 2005 before deciding to retire as champion following his final defense, an off-the-canvas close-but-clear points win over Vincenzo Cantatore in Nov. '05. 

“I am excited to have my next bout in Ludwigsburg,” said Huck (37-2-1, 26KO). “The atmosphere at the Arslan fight was of the charts and I expect nothing less come May 3.

 

The chance to tie the divisional record "is giving me a vital kick. I am still dreaming to step up to heavyweight to be honest. But to achieve this milestone would definitely mean something special to me.”

Huck won a portion of the cruiserweight crown in Aug. '09, scoring a 12-round points win over Victor Emilio Ramirez, a rugged Argentine fighter who retired shortly thereafter but has since returned to the ring. Several of Huck's defenses have resulted in disputed outcomes, though he has by and large established himself as among the leading cruiser weights in the world.

His run of 12 successful title defenses remains uninterrupted, with his lone other fight during that stretch coming in a bid to win a heavyweight title. Huck fought one of the better performances of his career, but was denied his dream when then-titlist Alexander Povetkin escaped with a questionable 12-round decision, an ironic twist of fate considering the cruiserweight's own reign.

Included among the debatable decisions was Huck's first bout with Arslan in Nov. '12. Then 42 years old, Arslan defied the odds - and Father Time - only to have to settle for a moral victory as Huck was considered fortunate to escape with a unanimous decision and his title still intact. 

There was nothing questionable about their rematch in January. Huck laid down the law early and battered Arslan into submission, forcing the boxing world to grant him the respect any long-reigning champion deserves. 

 

“Marco did show in his rematch with Firat Arslan that he is not only one of the best cruiserweights in the world, but a great showman,” noted promoter Kalle Sauerland. “As Marco entered the arena he was booed by about 90 percent of the crowd – and when he left, everyone was cheering him. 

"Only a fighter like Marco Huck can do this and on May 3 we will witness it again.”

 

Huck’s opponent for his record-setting attempt will be announced in the coming weeks, as will ticket information - including pre-sales - for the event in Ludwigsburg.

Jake Donovan is the Managing Editor of Boxingscene.com, as well as a member of Transnational Boxing Ratings Board and the Boxing Writers Association of America. Twitter: @JakeNDaBox