Rising German star Tyron Zeuge to challenge for IBF International title

Picture: Photo Wende

Rising German star Tyron Zeuge (14-0, 8 KOs) will take another step towards world glory on August 16 when he faces Baker Barakat (40-16-4, 27 KOs) for the vacant IBF International Super Middleweight Championship at the Erfurt Exhibition Hall in Thuringia, Germany.

Zeuge, who will vacate his WBO Youth title in order to challenge for the IBF International belt, is relishing the opportunity, aware that victory will bring him closer to realizing his ultimate goal of becoming a world champion.

‘’Winning the WBO Youth title was the first step of my journey,’’ said the ambitious 22 year-old. ‘’Time is on my side and I know there is no rush but to continue to develop and climb the world rankings I must move forward and challenge for ‘bigger’ titles starting with the IBF International belt on August 16.’’

To continue his journey Zeuge must first defeat Barakat, a veteran inside the ring who has had more than four times the number of fights as the young Berliner.

‘’Barakat is a very experienced boxer,’’ said Zeuge’s coach Karsten Roewer. ‘’He has beaten Khoren Gevor, who had challenged Arthur Abraham and Felix Sturm in World Championship fights. This will be a good test for Tyron.’’

Barakat will be facing a ‘’re-energized’’ Zeuge, who after two and half year period of constant activity is now feeling the benefits of an extended summer break.

‘’You could tell in Tyron last fight that mentally he was a little tired,’’ said Roewer. ‘’Therefore it was the right decision to give him some time off. Since he has returned to training he is re-energized and more focused than ever.’’

‘’During the last few years I have either been in the gym training or fighting and I had not really had any time to rest,’’ said Zeuge. ‘’Now I feel refreshed and I am ready for the challenges that lie ahead.’’

Topping the bill at the Erfurt Exhibition Hall will be the IBF World Cruiserweight Championship clash between Yoan Pablo Hernandez and Firat Arslan. Tickets for the event on August 16 are available via eventim.de.