After having fought out a draw on November 2 of last year, Roberto Santos (18-6-3, 10 KOs) and hometown favorite Marcos Nader (16-0-1, 2 KOs) are going to meet again on April 13 in a rematch for the Spaniard’s EU Middleweight Championship at the Multiversum Schwechat, Austria. The arena near Vienna was already the venue of their first battle. Now it is time to determine a winner. The final presser was held as the fighters discussed the upcoming bout.
“The first one was a pretty close fight,” Nader says.
“I have watched it a few times since then and still think that I had done enough to get the decision.” Therefore, the prodigy of coach Otto Ramin is more than happy to get another crack at the EU Title. “We will go in the fight on an even playing field. We both know first-hand about the other’s style of fighting. So it won’t be any easier than the first time out.”
Nader is also happy to have the second meeting again in his own backyard. “The support of the crowd was tremendous. The people backed me up and I felt it. I am sure that it won’t be any different on April 13. There maybe even more fans to cheer me on this time. It’s going to be really exciting,” the 23-year-old anticipates.
Although, it is the fact of fighting away from home that brought Roberto Santos good luck in his past bouts. The defending champion from Benidorm,
Spain believes that the local hero has always more pressure on him. “Fighting abroad, you don’t have to deal with distractions such as ticket requests from friends and relatives. You can fully concentrate on the fight and that’s what matters.”
Santos (31) also promises a better performance in the rematch. “The judges scoring our first fight a draw were spot on. But I didn’t show my best back then. Nader also surprised me with his tactics. This won’t happen again and I’m going to beat him on April 13!”
However, Nader also thinks to step it up a notch in comparison to the premiere meeting of the two back in November. “This was possibly the toughest and most intense preparation I have ever been through,” assures the Austrian whose biggest motivation is to be the first EU Middleweight Champion of his country.
“I want to show that I’m the better fighter. Therefore, the impact of my actions inside the ring must be decisive. I don’t want to leave any doubts about who deserves the victory this time. I want to bring that belt to Austria!”
