Danish super middleweights Patrick Nielsen (24-1, 12 KOs) and Rudy Markussen (38-3, 25 KOs) almost came to blows at a press conference today in Copenhagen to promote Nielsen’s upcoming fight with Ruben Eduardo Acosta (30-11-5, 10 KOs) on Saturday night at the Frederiksberg-Hallerne.
Nielsen and Markussen have been verbally sparring ahead of a possible summer showdown, but things threatened to escalate when ‘The Hard Hitter’ turned up uninvited at today’s press meeting.
‘’Rudy is a chicken,’’ said Nielsen. ‘’He tries to act like a tough guy but in reality he doesn’t want to fight me because he knows he can’t win. I’m ready and willing to fight him on June 20. If he is man enough he should speak to my promoter and we can get it on!’’
Despite the unwelcome interruption, Nielsen remained focused on the task at hand, a ten-round super middleweight contest with former world title challenger Ruben Eduardo Acosta.
Speaking to the press in attendance the Danish star said: ‘’Ruben is a good fighter who has fought some tough guys but I’ve said I will knock him out and I stand by those words.’’
Nielsen’s fight has come as a late addition to the Nordic Fight Night show, with the Albertslund-boxer agreeing to step in to a headline slot vacated by his younger brother Micki, who was ruled out with pneumonia.
‘’I’m not worried about taking this fight at short notice,’’ said Nielsen. ‘’I live and breathe boxing. I’m always fit and I’m more than ready.’’
The 24 year-old will face a tough task on Saturday night. His opponent Acosta is a serious contender who has challenged for multiple titles including a WBO World title fight with former two-time world champion Robert Stieglitz.
Ahead of their super middleweight showdown, the Argentinian claims to have identified chinks in Nielsen’s armour that will allow him to triumph.
‘’Patrick is young and strong, but I have seen weaknesses that I will expose on Saturday night,’’ said Acosta, adding: ‘’I haven’t come here to pick up my cheque and go home, I’ve come here to win.’’
Whatever the outcome, promoter Nisse Sauerland is predicting an entertaining affair. ‘’This is a great match-up,’’ said Sauerland. ‘’Ruben is former world title challenger who has shared the ring with a number of talented fighters, while Patrick has found his best weight and is now more dangerous then ever. The fans in Frederiksberg are in for a real treat!’’
