Age not a decisive factor for Arslan in his quest for glory

Picture: Andreas Leber

Another highlight awaits in Hamburg on April 27. Before Juergen Braehmer (39-2, 30 KOs) defends his European Light Heavyweight Championship against Tony Averlant (18-7-2, 4 KOs) the eyes of the spectators in the arena will be firmly pointed on another boxer. Cruiserweight Firat Arslan (32-6-2, 21 KOs) will give his debut as a member of Team Sauerland. His first fight under his new promotional banner will see him take on Varol Vekiloglu (20-4-1, 12 KOs) and he does not just want to walk away with a convincing victory but also put himself in a position for a crack at a world championship.

“I am very happy to be working with Team Sauerland,” said the former WBA World Champion. “I believe that this partnership will get me a step closer to world title.” The last time the man from southern Germany fought for a cruiserweight championship was on November 3 against current WBO Titlist Marco Huck. “Everyone who saw the fight is entitled to his own opinion,” said Arslan. “I am not the kind of person who dwells on the past. My sight is totally focused on the future and I am hoping to get a rematch against Huck.”

The fact that Arslan is still able to put such an impressive performance on display as he did against Huck, considering his age of 42, is easily explained. “If you work hard, if you look after your nutrition and have the will to succeed, then age doesn’t matter.” He also has a role model to look up to who also lives by these standards. “Bernard Hopkins has recently won a world championship at the age of 48. I am not saying that I am planning to fight until then. However, there is no reason to retire as long as my performances are still up to it and I feel comfortable.”

For now, Arslan only has his next challenge on his mind: Varol Vekiloglu. The German will enter the ring completely focused. “I do not underestimate any opponent and I have respect for everyone. I want to become the world champion once again and on my road to glory, I have to win against guys like Vekiloglu,” says southpaw Arslan.

Tickets for the big show at the Sporthalle Hamburg, Germany are available at www.eventim.de and www.boxen.com.