Viasat and Team Sauerland are delighted to announce they have struck a long-term partnership to further boost professional boxing in Scandinavia. The revolutionary project was announced at a big kick-off press conference in Copenhagen on Thursday. In the next five years, TV3 / Viasat (Denmark), TV10 (Sweden) and Viasat Norway will broadcast between five and seven “Nordic Fight Nights” per year, featuring the biggest names and most promising talents in Nordic boxing. The shows will take place in various venues across Denmark.
“This is a ground-breaking partnership that will lift Nordic boxing to the highest international level,” Kalle Sauerland said. “Our Nordic stars will compete against world-class opponents on a constant basis. We are very ambitious to bring the biggest events to Denmark. Our star fighters will win a lot of titles for Scandinavia.”
The partnership starts with Rudy Markussen´s (37-2, 24 KOs) world title clash against WBA Interim Super-Middleweight Champion Brian Magee at Copenhagen´s Broendby Hall on February 18. The full card will be announced shortly.
The Nordic Fight Night line-up also features three-time world champion Mikkel Kessler (44-2, 33 KOs), former European Super-Middleweight Champion Mads Larsen (51-3, 38 KOs), Reda Zam Zam (24-1, 11 KOs), IBF Youth Middleweight Champion Patrick Nielsen, (12-0, 6 KOs), his iron-fisted brother Micki Nielsen (2-0, 2 KOs) as well as Danish amateur star Torben Keller (1-0). “Between them they hold a fearsome record of 178 victories, 8 losses and 117 KOs,” promoter Nisse Sauerland said. “They have a KO ratio of almost 66 percent, which is as fascinating as it is intimidating. They will be spreading fear in the international boxing world. Boxing fans will see a lot of exciting fights as we match their stars against the best opponents out there.”
Another integral part of the Nordic Fight Night is WBA/WBC/WBO Female Welterweight Champion Cecilia Braekhus (19-0, 5 KOs), who is a superstar in Norway. She is slated to defend her titles against Anne-Sophie Mathis (26-1, 22 KOs) in March. “This is the biggest fight in female boxing after Mathis’ crushing victory over Holly Holm,” promoter Nisse Sauerland added. “It will be a top attraction for the Nordic Fight Night.”
On Thursday afternoon, Kalle and Nisse Sauerland presented all nine fighters at the Viasat studios in Copenhagen. Here is what they had to say:
Mikkel Kessler: “That is great news for Danish boxing. There is a lot of talent in this country. If you look at the line-up and our records it is clear that there are exciting times ahead. Together we will make Denmark an force in the world of boxing.”
Rudy Markussen: “I will be kicking off the new partnership with a bang on February 18 in front of my home fans at Broendby Hall. Magee´s title is the first to stay in Denmark and it certainly will not be the last looking at the exciting times that lie ahead.”
Mads Larsen: “I am working hard on my comeback. I still have a lot of boxing left in me and I will prove it. It will require hard work and a lot of sweat, but I love being in the gym. I will come back in style.”
Patrick Nielsen: “2011 was fantastic for me. I kept my perfect record, improved as a fighter and on top of that won the IBF Youth Title. The new TV deal means that I can continue where I left it. 2012 will be even bigger, better and more exciting for the Nielsen brothers.”
Micki Nielsen: “It´s an honour to be part of the new concept. I am thrilled to be representing Denmark at the highest international level. I have a KO record of 100 percent and my plan is to keep my record spotless during the Nordic Fight Nights.”
Reda Zam Zam: “Winning my comeback fight after such a long time was one of the sweetest moments of my life. It has made me even more determined. I can´t wait to make up for the time I have lost. I have a fire burning inside me and I can promise my fans exciting fights in 2012.”
Torben Keller: “I am excited to have turned professional. I learn new things every day. The training in Germany is very challenging. Team Sauerland knows how to guide fighters to the top and I am thrilled they believe in me. I will not disappoint them.”
Cecilia Braekhus: “I am ready to take on Anne-Sophie Mathis. That will be the biggest fight in female boxing and certainly the biggest fight of my career. It really fits the Nordic Fight Night concept where the best are fighting the best.”
Erik Skoglund: “This will really boost Swedish boxing. I am thrilled to be a part of the Nordic Fight Nights and I will work hard to be successful every time I step into the ring.”
(Pictures: Ninna Nisbet)
