Gutknec​ht and Hernández charging their batteries at training camp

D-day is getting closer. The big fight night at the Max-Schmeling-Halle is only a few weeks away and Eduard Gutknecht (European Light Heavyweight Championship against Juergen Braehmer) and Yoan Pablo Hernández (I.B.F. World Title fight versus Eric Fields) are planning on holding on to their respective belts. To ensure a positive start to 2013 the two prodigies of coach Ulli Wegner have opted to spent the rest of their preparation time atthe Olympic training facilities in Kienbaum near Berlin, Germany.

Light heavyweight Eduard Gutknecht (24-1-9 KOs) takes on 34-year-old Juergen Braehmer not just to keep his E.B.U. Title but also to win the position as mandatory challenger for the W.B.O. Champion, currently Britain’s Nathan Cleverly. “It is great to be that close to a potential shot at the world championship. I only have to take the next step. I will earn that chance by defeating Juergen Braehmer,” said the orthodox fighter about the all-German affair. However, Gutknecht has to get past the former W.B.O. Champion before he can start thinking of his next challenge.

Yoan Pablo Hernández (27-1-13 KOs) already took the last step to a world title. The 28-year-old dethroned Steve Cunningham as the I.B.F. Titlist back in October of 2011 in Neubrandenburg, Germany and was successful in two defenses. And of course, the champion wants to keep his winning streak alive when he faces Eric Fields (21-1, 15 KOs).

The American has a knock-out rate of more than 68 percent and is one of the biggest power punchers in the division just below the heavyweights. “I have to be very focused during the final weeks of my preparations but that is nothing new to me. I like the remoteness of Kienbaum and it will give me the required energy ahead of the title defense on February 2”, said Hernández.

Tickets for the big fight night at the Max-Schmeling-Halle in Berlin, Germany can be purchased at www.boxen.com and www.eventim.de (Picture: Team Sauerland)