Kubrat Pulev (22-1, 12 KOs) and Dereck Chisora (25-5, 17 KOs) will meet in a European title fight and IBF World title eliminator on May 7 in Hamburg, Germany.
The heavyweights collide as part of a blockbuster Team Sauerland bill at the Barclaycard Arena, and there is a lot on the line as both men look to reclaim the European crown and land a second shot at World honours.
Pulev has recorded back-to-back victories over George Arias and Maurice Harris since failing to dethrone Wladimir Klitschko in November 2015, while Chisora, who challenged Vitali Klitschko for the World title in February 2012, is enjoying a fine run of form, which has seen him remain unbeaten in his last five outings.
‘’This is a very important fight for me,’’ said Pulev, the 34 year-old from Sofia, Bulgaria. ‘’I learnt a lot from the Klitschko fight, but now I’m back and stronger than ever.
‘’Dereck is a good boxer, but I’m better, and I know I can beat him. I’m looking forward to the challenge and the chance to win back the European title. I’m sure the arena in Hamburg will be full of Bulgarians cheering me to victory.
‘’I know I have what it takes to be World Champion, and next time I will be successful, but for now, all my focus is on May 7 and Chisora. This is a fight I can’t afford to lose!’’
‘’Pulev has been on my radar for a while now,’’ said Chisora, the 32 year-old British-boxer from Finchley. ‘’He’s a great athlete and he has my respect, but come fight night, I’m not messing around. I’m coming to mess this guy up. I’m going to outwork him and out strength him. I’ll be all over him from the first bell.
‘’I’m excited for the opportunity. This is a chance for me to prove myself against one of the top fighters in the division and get back into a position to challenge for the World title. I’m in great shape. I’m training harder than ever and I’m ready to go. This is going to be one my best fights ever!’’
Promoter Kalle Sauerland is looking forward to the in-house heavyweight showdown billed as the ‘Battle of the Giants’. ‘’We’re delighted to deliver fans this mouth-watering contest between two of the biggest names in the heavyweight division,’’ said Sauerland.
‘’Not only is the prestigious European belt on the line, but also a chance to challenge for the IBF World title. It’s all or nothing! Winner takes it all! This is a fight that guarantees excitement. It will be the headline attraction for what promises to be a huge show at the Barclaycard Arena and definitely not one you want to miss!’’
Ticket information and undercard details for the ‘Battle of the Giants’ on May 7 at the Barclaycard Arena in Hamburg, Germany will be announced shortly.
As in September, I once again ran out of gas in the 10th & 11th championship rounds of October & November with this column, but I recovered to complete them and will unleash a few more flurries to close out the 12th and final round.
In the first week of October, Hassan N’Dam won a UD over Curtis Stevens in an eliminator for the right to challenge Jermaine Taylor who defeated aging Sam Soliman to regain the IBF Middleweight title. How Taylor even earned this title shot is another story altogether, but it is all irrelevant as he is now the champion. However he will not have too much time to savor his victory as he has assault and battery charges pending against him and an upcoming court fight that may turn out to be the toughest fight of his life, just when things started to look up for him in boxing, we wish him luck.
