Eduard Gutknecht (25-2, 9 KOs) starts a new run towards a chance to fight for a world championship belt. Next up for the prodigy of Ulli Wegner is a semi eliminator, which was ordered by the IBF. On November 23, at the “brose Arena” in Bamberg the man who also tries to position himself for a final eliminator to the IBF Light Heavyweight World Championship, currently held by Bernard Hopkins, will be Dmitry Sukhotsky (20-2, 15 KOs).
“This is about earning a title shot,” said the 31-year old former European Champion.
“First, I need to beat Sukhotsky, then Fonfara. I would relish the opportunity to fight Bernard Hopkins for the title and after November 23, I will make the next step towards him.” After losing a close decision to current world title contender and teammate Juergen Braehmer in February this year, the Team Sauerland promoted Gutknecht posted a dominant decision win over Uruguayan Richard Vidal in June.
He believes: “I have learned a lot about myself and the way I have to fight over my last bouts. It’s all about adapting on the fly if the initial game plan doesn’t work.”
The challenge Gutknecht faces on November 23 will actually show if he can translate his mindset into the ring. Sukhotsky (32) already has the experience of one world title fight. In 2009, he also suffered a narrow defeat on points to Braehmer, then the WBO World Champion at 175 lbs. With both Gutknecht and Sukhotsky being involved in such competitive bouts against the same opponent, an action-packed match-up has to be expected.
The main event in Bamberg will see IBF and RING Cruiserweight Champion Yoan Pablo Hernandez defending his titles against mandatory challenger Alexander Alekseev. Tickets for the big fight night at the brose Arena in Bamberg can be purchased at www.eventim.de and www.boxen.com.
