16 year-old German super middleweight Leon Bauer (2-0, 2 KOs) will face Serbian Darko Knezevic (7-8, 5 KOs) in his third professional contest on the undercard of Juergen Braehmer’s WBA Light Heavyweight title fight against Konni Konrad on September 5 at the EnergieVerbund Arena in Dresden, Germany.
Bauer impressed in his second outing, stopping 58-fight veteran Misa Nikolic in just the second round of their four round contest, and as a result the German ‘wunderkind’ was offered a contract with Europe’s leading boxing promoter Team Sauerland.
‘’Leon is a real gem,’’ said Kalle Sauerland. ‘’At just sixteen years of age, he showed real class and composure, opening the show for Arthur Abraham, and stopping Nikolic in front of such a huge crowd. I must admit I was very impressed.’’
Another man needing no convincing of Bauer’s qualities is the young fighter’s manager Rainer Gottwald. ‘’I’ve known Leon for years,’’ said Gottwald. ‘’And believe me the boy has huge potential! He has only just begun to scratch the surface. Leon is a star for the future!’’
Bauer himself has no doubts in his ability and holds no fear over his September 5 opponent. ‘’I will take on anyone who is put in front of me inside the squared circle,’’ said the boxer from Hatzenbuehl. ‘’With every fight I will improve as I gain more experience. Besides, I’m still growing and will become bigger, stronger and more physical over the years.’’
Given his age and size (1.88 meters) Bauer’s ultimate aim does not seem too unrealistic. “I want to become the world heavyweight champion,’’ exclaims Team Sauerland’s latest signing.
