German amateur star Stefan Haertel will make his professional debut on August 16. The 26 year-old, who signed a long-term contract with Team Sauerland in May, will face Oleg Fedotovs (18-14, 12 KOs) at the Erfurt Exhibition Hall in Thuringia, Germany.
‘’After many successful years as an amateur I am looking forward to this new challenge,’’ said the Berlin-based Haertel. ‘’It has been six months since my last competitive fight and I can’t wait to get back into the ring, shake of the rust and show everyone what I am capable of.’’
Haertel, who is training with renowned German coach Karsten Roewer, will be campaigning at Super Middleweight, joining Sauerland stable mates Arthur Abraham, Mikkel Kessler and George Groves in the hotly contested division.
‘’Super Middleweight is currently one of the most exciting divisions in the world,’’ said Sauerland Event CEO Chris Meyer. ‘’We believe Stefan has the ability to go right the way to the top. That is why we are matching him with such an experienced opponent in his first professional fight.’’
Fedotovs certainly has experience on his side. The Latvian has completed 32 fights in a career spanning almost 10 years. Despite his opponents superior experience Haertel remains unperturbed and ready for whatever challenges come his way.
‘’When I step into the ring I come to win, no matter who is put in front of me,’’ said the debutant. ‘’My goal is to become world champion and to do that I must beat everyone starting with Fedotovs.’’
Haertel transition into the paid ranks has been helped by the presence of old friends Enrico Koelling (WBA Intercontinental Light Heavyweight Champion) and Tyron Zeuge (WBO Youth Super Middleweight Champion), who alongside WBA Light Heavyweight Champion Juergen Braehmer train together under the guidance of Karsten Roewer.
‘’I got a very warm welcome from my friends Enrico Koelling and Tyron Zeuge,’’ said Haertel. ‘’I know them well from the amateurs and they have made it easy for me to integrate into the training sessions with Karsten Roewer.’’ Haertel will be looking to follow in the footsteps of his training partners, starting with victory at the Erfurt Exhibition Hall.
In the evening’s main event IBF World Cruiserweight Champion Yoan Pablo Hernandez defends his title against former World Champion Firat Arslan. Tickets are available via eventim.de.
(Picture: Winfried Mausolf)
