Turkish prospect Avni Yildirim stops Steve Kroekel in one round – Next Stop: Glen Johnson!

Fast rising light heavyweight prospect Avni Yildirim scored another impressive quick TKO victory over German journeyman Steve Kroekel on Tuesday night in Dusseldorf, Germany. Kroekel tried to put pressure on the 23 year old Turk but Yildirim fought back and dropped his opponent twice with hard body shots forcing referee Arnold Golger to stop the fight. It was the fifth win in as many fights for the former amateur standout who will face the biggest challenge of his pro career so far on August 15th when he travels to Miami to take on veteran Glen Johnson for the WBC Silver International Light Heavyweight Championship.

“Avni is an outstanding talent”, says promoter Ahmet Oner. “I am sure that he will be World Champion. 175 lbs. is a very exciting division at the moment and Avni got what it takes to play with the big boys.”