Gutknecht: I have to keep the belt – for the kids!

Eduard Gutknecht
Pictures: Team Sauerland

Tension is rising now that the all-German European Championship clash between Eduard Gutknecht (24-1, 9 KOs) and Juergen Braehmer (38-2, 30 KOs) is just days away. Before the first bell rings on Saturday night to start the bout, both combatants met on Tuesday for the obligatory public workout and proved that they are in great shape.

The first one to show off his set of skills was Juergen Braehmer. The 34-year-old was hitting the pads of coach Karsten Roewer. And the southpaw proved that despite his age he still has the power and precision required to make it at world level. Nevertheless, he was keen not to give too much away, especially as Gutknecht’s trainer Ulli Wegner was following the action just inches away. “He didn’t show his lovely uppercut”, said Wegner. Braehmer also kept his prognosis open for the championship bout. Asked who would win on February 2 the former WBO Champion casually replied: “The better man on the night!”

Current titlist Eduard Gutknecht on the other hand had a very obvious prediction of the outcome. “My children (Mark, 3 and Noel, 4) use the EBU Belt as a toy and carry it around the house telling everybody that I have won it. I have to defend it or otherwise they won’t have anything to play with on Sunday.” However, coach Ulli Wegner revealed that Gutknecht’s motivation has another reason: “I am not surprised at all. Eduard wants to win on Saturday because he is aiming for a World Championship.”

The road to the top of the light heavyweight division is still a long one for Robert Woge (10-0, 9 KOs). Still, the German has a real career highlight ahead of him when he enters the ring at the Max-Schmeling-Halle. For the first time ever, the 28-year-old will challenge for title honors. The orthodox boxer takes on Hakim Zoulikha (18-3, 9 KOs) for the vacant IBF-Intercontinental Title and promises to deliver a real spectacle for the fans. “The people want to see two grown man beating each other up. That is exactly what you can expect watching my fights.”

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.