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 Hernandez (IBF 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 at
the 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 EBU Title but also to win the position
as mandatory challenger for the WBO 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 WBO Champion before he
can start thinking of his next challenge.
Yoan Pablo Hernandez (27-1, 13 KOs) already took the last step to a world
title. The 28-year-old dethroned Steve Cunningham as the IBF 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 Hernandez.
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.
