Edmund Gerber (23-1, 14 KOs) feels ready to become the European Heavyweight Champion. On September 21, the 25-year-old German will get his very first title shot at the Copper Box Arena London, England. That night, Englishman Dereck Chisora (17-4, 11 KOs) will stand in the opposite corner as he tries to get his hands at the EBU Belt on his second attempt. However, Gerber will not let it get to that point in the first place. In the following interview, Gerber tells how he will be able to beat Chisora.
Edmund Gerber, on September 21 you will be challenging Dereck Chisora for the vacant European Heavyweight Title. How is your preparation for this fight going?
Edmund Gerber: All I can say is that I am currently dedicated and joyful when working out at the gym. When I am in such a good mood in training, a top performance can be expected of me come fight night. My coach Karsten Röwer and I have especially put emphasis on my stamina. I have fun to torture my body and can hardly wait to step into the ring.
How pleased were you with your last fight against Gbenga Oloukun this March?
Edmund Gerber: The first five rounds I did what my coach wanted me to do, which saw me dominating this bout. But for whatever reasons, I backed away from our tactics and lost control. I still won this fight clearly, but I can do much better than I showed back then.
Previously, you received your first career loss as a professional against Michael Sprott in December 2012. Is this memory out of your head?
Edmund Gerber: Who is Sprott? Seriously, I was a bit arrogant going into that fight, thinking, ‘you will beat this guy hands down’. I had already floored him in September 2012. If the referee had waved off our first meeting, I would have knocked Sprott out conclusively. Therefore, it ended controversially and we had the rematch in December. I will never ever do such a mistake again and underestimate an opponent.
What are your thoughts on the person that is Dereck Chisora?
Edmund Gerber: When people start talking about Chisora, they are first thinking about a madman who slapped Vitali Klitschko and spit in his brother Wladimir’s face. A big part of what he does before a fight is just hyping up the event and he is good at it. Although, he should not try to do those things to me as I would not react as calm as the Klitschkos did. From a sportingly point of view, he lives up to his ballyhoo, already having challenged for a world championship. Therefore, he will be my biggest test to date.
What are Chisora’s strengths and how can you negate them?
Edmund Gerber: Chisora only knows one gear. He is moving forward as he tries to pressure his opponent from the get-go. You have to handle those tactics. The key to win against such a style is simple: impress him with your punching power and looseness. Over the rounds, he then will run out of ideas. And when he starts risking too much, I will knock his lights out.
This will be your first chance to win the European Championship. Do you feel ready for it?
Edmund Gerber: I feel more than ready and want to take the next step in my career. That is the chance I have been waiting for. Now it is time to take this big opportunity. My whole team is confident that I will beat Chisora. I do not want to disappoint them as well as the boxing fans.
Your match-up with Chisora is going to take place in his home country of England. Do you already feel nervous about facing a partisan crowd?
Edmund Gerber: I would be lying to myself if I said that I am not nervous at all. When I walk towards the ring, my tension will be the highest. Afterwards it is just him and me inside the squared circle. I basically take no notice of the crowd during a fight. Therefore, the fans at the Copper Box Arena can boo me as loud as they can. When I lift the belt afterwards, they will be stock-still. I have absolutely no doubt about my victory.
Tickets for the fight night at Copper Box Arena London on September 21 are available at www.eventim.co.uk.
