Patrick Nielsen (26-1, 12 KOs) and Rudy Markussen (38-3, 25 KOs) continue their ‘Collision Course’ on September 12 when the Nordic Fight Night returns to the Arena Nord in Frederikshavn.
With a Danish mega-fight on the horizon, the bitter rivals cannot afford any slip-ups as they prepare to take on tough international opposition.
Nielsen, the current WBA International Champion, returns following a one sided points victory over Charles Adamu to face Brazilian brawler Samir Santos Barbosa (36-12-3, 25 KOs).
‘’Barbosa is a good opponent,’’ said the 24 year-old southpaw. ‘’I’ve watched some of his tapes and I know what to expect. He’s strong, he’s experienced and he likes to fight, but I’m a better boxer and I’ll be prepared for whatever he has to offer. My confidence is high and I’m ready for war!
‘’Nothing is going to stop me! I’ve had three good wins since moving up to super middleweight and the extra kilos are making all the difference. Instead of worrying about my weight, I’m able to concentrate on my boxing. I’m stronger, faster and more dangerous than ever. People have only just begun to see my true potential.
‘’Rudy can talk all he wants because for now all my focus is on this fight, but once I’m finished with Barbosa, I’m coming for him, and it’s not going to be pretty. I’m going to shut Rudy up once and for all and send him back into retirement!’’
It will be youth versus experience in the co-featured main event when Markussen, a former European Champion and World title challenger, squares off against the 20 year-old Georgian Ramazi Gogichashvili (19-6-2, 9 KOs).
‘’This is an important fight for me,’’ said the 37 year-old ‘Hard Hitter’. ‘’I don’t just want to win; I want to look good doing it. Gogichashvili is a good fighter but he’s not on my level. I’m too experienced and too powerful. My advice for him is to keep his hands high or it could be an early night.
‘’I’ve definitely not lost any of my punching power, if anything I’ve got stronger. On September 12, I want to make a statement and knock this guy out. I’ve been training hard, sparring ten and twelve rounds, and I’m as fit as I’ve ever been. I’m going to show everybody that I’m back and better than ever!
‘’Of course I need to be professional and give this fight my full attention, there is always a risk whenever you get into the ring no matter who the opponent is, but I’ve got Patrick on my mind 24/7, and when the time comes, I’ll be ready to knock him out too!’’
‘’This is it,’’ said promoter Nisse Sauerland. ‘’The final test for Patrick and Rudy ahead of a huge domestic showdown. Patrick has impressed since moving up to super middleweight and must continue to do so in order to beat Barbosa, while Rudy faces a tough test for his ring return against a young, hungry fighter like Gogichashvili.
‘’There are no give-me fights at this level and neither fighter can afford to look past their opponent. They will need to stay 100% focused and win convincingly to guarantee a grudge match later this year.’’
