Denis Radovan and Andrei Mikhailovich collide in a final eliminator for the IBF world middleweight title, live on DAZN next month. 

The two highest ranked contenders in the 160lbs division clash on Saturday, December 16 in Sunderland, on the undercard of Josh Kelly’s major homecoming fight with Roarke Knapp. 

Delivered by Wasserman Boxing, Radovan and Mikhailovich put their unbeaten records on the line at the Beacon of Light, in the hope of earning the right to challenge fearsome champion Janibek Alimkhanuly. 

This world title eliminator acts as the co-main event to Kelly’s match-up against the highly ranked Knapp, with the Sunderland hero daring to risk his own title ambitions against the big-punching South African. 

Kelly will be boxing in his hometown for the first time as a professional and an expected sell-out crowd will provide noisy support for the 29-year-old, in the biggest fight of his career. 

North East talents Dan Toward, Ben Marksby and Travis Waters are also on the show, along with Harvey Lambert, plus many more fighters who will be announced in the coming days. 

But today’s announcement confirms the addition of a high-level international scrap between Germany’s Radovan and New Zealand-based Russian, Mikhailovich, live on DAZN. 

Denis Radovan said: “I don’t waste time yapping like him and his crew.  

“December 16th, my statement hits – not through the media, but right on his chin.” 

Andrei Mikhailovich said: “I am extremely excited for the opportunity to fight Denis.  

“To be fighting for a world title eliminator is a dream come true. 

“Only one man will be left in my way after this victory. 

“In the Wild West of Auckland, we are training hard to show everyone who I am. 

December 16th, I can’t wait.” 

Kalle Sauerland, Global Head of Boxing at Wasserman Boxing, said: “Radovan vs Mikhailovich is a brilliant fight to add to this massive show in Sunderland. 

“Whether you’re sitting at ringside, or watching at home on DAZN, you will love this one, and it will get the adrenaline pumping for the main event. 

“Radovan and Mikhailovich are both unbeaten, both extremely confident and both laser-focused on winning a shot at the prestigious IBF world middleweight title.  

“Those ingredients together can mean only one thing – a great fight for the fans.” 

Denis Radovan enjoyed a successful homecoming with a second round TKO win over the experienced Rafael Bejaran last night in front of frenetic fans at the Sartory Saal in Cologne, Germany. The atmosphere was electric for Radovan’s first fight in his hometown, and the unbeaten middleweight surely delivered as he dropped his opponent three times in the second, forcing Bejaran’s corner to throw in the towel. It was the third successful defense of the IBF European middleweight title for Radovan.

At the one minute mark of the second round, Radovan connected with a picture perfect left hook to the liver to floor Bejaran for the first time. The tough challenger got back to his feet, but never fully recovered and went down twice more in a span of 30 seconds before the towel came in.

“Respect to Rafael Bejaran. He was in great shape and gave me something to think about in the first round. He knew what he was doing,“ said Radovan. “But I saw the openings and I took advantage of them. I’m proud to have defended my title for the third time in front of my hometown fans and I’m excited about the future.“ When asked if he had a dream opponent, Radovan smiled and said: “It doesn’t matter who I fight. I want to become world champion and that’s what I live and breathe for.“

Former longtime world champion Christina Hammer enjoyed an equally successful night at the Sartory Saal. Germany’s most successful active female fighter thoroughly dominated Luiza Davydova en route to an eight-round unanimous decision win. The two fighters engaged in a toe-to-toe battle for most of the rounds, but it was Hammer who landed the telling punches on her unorthodox opponent. The decision was merely a formality, as all three judges scored each and every round for the former champ – “Hammer-Time“ in Cologne!

After the fight, Hammer was grateful for the amazing atmosphere at the arena: “I want to thank everyone who came out to watch the fights tonight. It’s amazing to be fighting in front of all of you again,“ Hammer said. “There was definitely some ring rust for tonight, but I feel that I’m on the right path to get back to the top. I want to become world champion and win my titles back as soon as possible.“

Promoter Kalle Sauerland was very satisfied with the Fight Night and the performance of all the Wasserman athletes – and managed to get a big laugh from a room full of journalists at the post-fight presser: ”I gotta tell you, I was one meter away from the ring and Denis’ liver hook still hurts me. All jokes aside, that was a picture perfect punch by Denis. Both him and Christina delivered today and both deserve a chance to become world champion. I’m confident that both will get that chance this year.“

At the age of just 20, Sophie Alisch is regarded by many as one of the best prospects in boxing. In Cologne, she celebrated her eight win in as many professional fights as she decisioned tough Spaniard Eva Cantos over six rounds. Light heavyweight hopeful Leon Bunn made quick work of late replacement Islam Teffahi, stopping him with body shots in the second round. Highly talented Dane Oliver Zaren, a protégé of boxing legend Mikkel Kessler, dominated Novak Radulovic over six rounds en route to a unanimous decision win.

Wasserman Boxing and Probellum are delighted to announce a huge night of action on December 3 in Ilsenburg, Germany as Denis Radovan (14-0-1, 6 KOs) defends his IBF European Middleweight Title against former World Title Challenger Brian Rose (32-7-1, 8 KOs).
 
This is the first in a series of high-profile events that will take place in Germany following a ground breaking new partnership between powerhouse promoter Wasserman Boxing, formerly Team Sauerland, and major global boxing and media company Probellum that is set to galvanise German boxing.
 
Radovan, who is undefeated in fifteen professional contests, will make the first defence of the IBF belt he claimed with a unanimous points win over Nuhu Lawal in September 2020. The exciting fighter from Cologne can expect a tough test as he takes on former British champion and World Title Challenger Rose.
 
“I’m looking forward to getting back in the ring,” said Radovan. “My opponent is very experienced. He has fought at a high level and shared the ring with many world class boxers. I am expecting hard fight but I will be well prepared and ready to defend my title.”
 
“Following successful shows in Austria, England and Latvia in the last few weeks, we can’t wait to get things started again in Germany,” said promoter Kalle Sauerland. “This is the first of many events we will stage in partnership with Probellum that will help bring German boxing back to the glory days. Fans in Ilsenburg can look forward to an incredible night of boxing on December 3, full of great match ups, exciting fights and world class fighters.”
 
“This is what we hoped for from our partnership with Wasserman Boxing: the joint implementation of events that promise excitement and high-quality boxing,” said Richard Schaefer, President of Probellum. “I look forward to seeing rising German star Denis Radovan and further fights that will be announced soon. This is just the beginning of our new partnership; we look forward to many more events together with Wasserman Boxing.”
 
Tickets for December 3 in Ilsenburg go on sale tomorrow (Wednesday, October 27) and are available via www.eventim.de and www.reservix.de.

Mairis Briedis won a 12-round majority decision over Yuniel Dorticos to win the World Boxing Super Series and IBF World Cruiserweight titles in Munich, Germany.

Briedis, 198 3/4 lbs of Latvia controlled the power punching Dorticos and won by scores of 117-111 twice and 114-114 to raise his record to 27-1. Dorticos, 199 3/4 lbs of Cuba is 24-2.

Denis Radovan won a 10-round unanimous decision over last-second replacement Nuhu Lawal in a middleweight bout.

Radovan, 158 3/4 lbs won by scores of 100-90 and is now 14-0-1. Lawal, who came in on less then 24 hours notice is 27-8.

Leon Bunn remained undefeated by winning a eight-round unanimous decision over Timo Laine.

Bunn, 170 lbs won by scores of 80-72 on all cards and is now 16-0. Laine, 170 1/4 lbs is 27-14.

Sophie Alisch remained undefeated with an eight-round unanimous decision over Edina Kiss in a featherweight contest.

Alisch, 125 1/4 lbs won by scores of 78-74 and 77-75 twice and is now 6-0. Kiss, 125 1/2 lbs of Hungary is 15-14.

Top-rated German contenders Patrick Wojcicki (13-0-1, 4 KOs), Leon Bunn (14-0, 8 KOs) and Denis Radovan (12-0-1, 5 KOs) have signed long-term contract extensions with Team Sauerland as they look to realise their World title ambitions.

“We are delighted to extend the contracts of Patrick, Leon and Denis,” said promoter Nisse Sauerland. “Team Sauerland has a rich history of developing Germany’s best talent into World Champions. Leon, Patrick and Denis have already shown great potential and we’re excited to continue our work together. 

“Being ranked sixth in the IBF rankings, Patrick is within range of a world title fight and that is the aim. Leon won his first title this year in front of thousands of his hometown fans and is now ranked eighth by the IBF. He has developed brilliantly and we are certain he will get his chance in the near future. Denis has also showcased his talent numerous times already and is undoubtably one of Germany’s most talented boxers.”

Patrick Wojcicki, who represented Germany in the 2012 Olympics, has been signed with Team Sauerland since he turned professional in 2015. The 28-year-old currently holds the IBF Intercontinental middleweight title, a belt he most recently defended in April against Argentina’s Marcelo Fabian Caceres (18-4, 13 KOs).

“My team and I are very pleased with the contract extension and the trust placed in us,” said Wojcicki. “During our time with Team Sauerland we have already celebrated some successes. I look forward to more success in the future and my goal is to become a World Champion together with Team Sauerland.” 

Undefeated Frankfurt native Leon Bunn has been fighting with Team Sauerland since his debut in 2016. Bunn, who trains in Berlin with esteemed coach Ulli Wegner, most recently became the IBF International light heavyweight champion with a TKO victory over Leon Harth (18-4, 12 KOs).

“I’m delighted to extend my contract,” said Leon Bunn. “We are very happy with how everything’s gone so far. I won my first title this year and I’m looking forward to what the next months and years have in store for me. My goal is to become a World Champion!”

26-year-old Denis Radovan has also signed a new long-term contract, having turned professional with Team Sauerland in 2016. Denis was most recently in action against Ronny Mittag (30-4-3, 15 KOs) where he picked up the IBF European middleweight title and is now eleventh in the IBF rankings.

“I would like to thank the Sauerland family for their cooperation and trust so far,” said Radovan. “The next years will be trend-setting and that’s why I am very happy to have such a strong partner by my side.”

Patrick Wojcicki (13-0-1, 4 KOs) retained his IBF Intercontinental Middleweight title with a unanimous points win against the tough Argentine Marcelo Fabian Caceres (18-4, 13 KOs) last night at the CongressPark in Wolfsburg.

Wojcicki had promised to do everything in his power to keep the title in Wolfsburg before the fight, and the 27 year-old stayed true to his word, dropping Caceres twice, in rounds seven and nine, en route to claiming a one sided points victory, with the three judges scoring the fight 114-112, 117-109 and 115-111 in favour of the Wolfsburg native.

“It was a tough fight,” said an elated Wojcicki after securing his thirteenth professional win and a second successive defence of his IBF title. “Caceres boxed the way we thought he would. He did a good job, but this is my home, this is my city, and no one is going to take my title away from me.”

On the undercard, German middleweight Denis Radovan (12-0-1, 5 KOs) won the vacant IBF European Middleweight belt by beating Ronny Mittag (30-4-3, 15 KOs) via split decision (96-94, 96-94, 94-96).

Having fought to a draw in December, both boxers put it all on the line in another entertaining contest, with Radovan’s superior output earning him the victory.

When questioned about a potential showdown with Team Sauerland stablemate Patrick Wojcicki, who topped the bill in Wolfsburg, Radovan answered: “If the fight comes, I will be ready.”

17 year-old boxing sensation Sophie Alisch (2-0, 1 KO) recorded her second professional win with another stunning performance, showcasing her neat footwork and breath-taking hand speed to win all six rounds against her resilient opponent Alina Zaitseva (1-2), while rising super middleweight star Leon Bauer (16-0-1, 9 KOs) beat Mateo Damian Veron (28-22-3, 8 KOs) in a bloody ten-round battle.

Further down the card, Denmark’s Landry Kore (9-0-1, 5 KOs) drew with Switzerland’s Faton Vukshinaj (9-0-2, 6 KOs), Limi Tairi (5-0, 4 KOs) defeated Tamas Kozma (6-9-3, 3 KOs) via a third-round knockout, and debutant Nico Piekarski (1-0) claimed a unanimous points win against Michal Vosyka (7-42-1, 4 KOs).

Team Sauerland held a press conference today at the Leonardo Hotel to preview a huge night of boxing at the CongressPark in Wolfsburg on Saturday night featuring IBF title fights for rising middleweight stars Patrick Wojcicki (12-0-1, 4KOs) and Denis Radovan (11-0-1, 5 KOs).

Wojcicki defends his IBF Inter-Continental title against mandatory challenger Marcelo FabianCaceres (18-3, 13KOs) as he returns to headline his hometown arena following a unanimous points win Sven Elbir in October.

“Thanks to Team Sauerland and CongressPark,” said Wojcicki. “I am very happy to experience the atmosphere here again. Argentinians are always strong and Caceres is a good boxer, but I have to beat him to move on to greater tasks.”

“Patrick has my respect, but I did not come from Argentina to lose,” said Caceres, who is fighting outside his native Argentina for the first time.

“Thanks to Team Sauerland and Nisse Sauerland for this fight and the cooperation. Marcelo Caceres will be a worthy opponent and will do anything to win against Patrick,” echoed Caceres manager, Natalia Rivero.

As chief support, Radovan rematches Ronny Mittag (30-3-3, 15KOs) for the IBF European Middleweight title, following their fiercely contested split decision draw last December.

“I am well prepared,” said Radovan. “It’s about a title and this time I will win the fight!”

Joining Radovan was his legendary trainer Pedro Diaz. “I studied Ronny Mittag very closely and we respect him,” said Diaz. “But this time Denis will win the fight!”

“We already have the first fight won, we will win again this time” said Mittag’s coach Hartmut Schroder. “The preparation was with ups and downs, but in the end every good!”

Promoter Nisse Sauerland is looking forward to another great event at the CongressPark.

“Last time it was outstanding, this time I am looking forward to another great atmosphere,” said Sauerland. “Two 50/50 fights top a strong fight card – the spectators and viewers on Sport1 will definitely get their money’s worth.”

Fans in Germany can watch live on Sport1, in the UK on Boxnation and limited remaining tickets are available via www.eventim.de

Patrick Wojcicki (12-0-1, 4 KOs) defends his IBF Intercontinental Middleweight title against Marcelo Fabian Caceres (18-3, 13 KOs), while Denis Radovan (11-0-1, 5 KOs) rematches Ronny Mittag (30-3-3, 15 KOs) for the IBF European Middleweight crown on April 6 at the CongressPark in Wolfsburg, Germany.

Wojcicki returns to his hometown arena following a successful defence of his IBF title against domestic rival Sven Elbir on October 26, and the 26 year-old has vowed to deliver another ‘explosive performance’ for his fans in Wolfsburg.

“It feels fantastic to be boxing at home again,” says Wojcicki. “I’d like to thank my promoter Team Sauerland for making this possible. Caceres is a strong opponent, but I will train intensely with my coaches Antonino and Antonio Spatola, so that I can rekindle the incredible atmosphere we had last time, and I will deliver another explosive performance to keep the belt in Wolfsburg.”

Radovan is eager to set the record straight having been held to a draw by middleweight foe Mittag in Gummersbach on December 1. Having teamed up with renowned Cuban coach Pedro Diaz, the Cologne-boxer is looking forward to kick-starting 2019 with a win as he challenges for his first professional title.

“Thanks to Team Sauerland for arranging the rematch so quickly,” he says. “I’m looking forward to the great atmosphere in Wolfsburg. I’m confident this time I will leave the decision in no doubt – this year, I will make my breakthrough.”

Promoter Nisse Sauerland is anticipating another ‘spectacular’ show in Wolfsburg, headlined by ’50-50 fights’ for Germany’s rising middleweight stars.

”We had a great event last weekend, and with other great shows already announced, here comes another highlight,” says Sauerland. “We have two 50-50 fights already confirmed for the card. Patrick and Denis must both bring their best performances to win, and the fans in Wolfsburg can look forward to a spectacular event with more exciting fights set to be announced.”

Tickets for the Team Sauerland event at the CongressPark in Wolfsburg on April 6 will be available at www.eventim.de and other known ticket agencies.