To celebrate 35 years since ‘Hall of Fame’ promoter Wilfried Sauerland staged his first show on German soil, Team Sauerland present a special anniversary show on September 26 at the Max Schmeling Halle in Berlin, headlined by rising German stars Jack Culcay (20-1, 10 KOs) and Tyron Zeuge (17-0, 10 KOs).
On September 26, 1980, Sauerland began his endeavor to bring big-time boxing back to Germany when promoting a light heavyweight contest between Chisanda Mutti and Uwe Meinicke at the Cologne Sartory Hall.
What followed was an amazing success story – with great champions such as Rene Weller, Graciano ‘Rocky’ Rocchigiani, Henry Maske, Axel Schulz, Sven Ottke and Arthur Abraham, sold out arenas, record television viewing figures and a German boxing boom which continues to this day.
Exactly 35 years after this first show in Cologne, Team Sauerland celebrates this anniversary at Berlin’s famous Max Schmeling Halle. Speaking at today’s kick-off press conference Wilfried Sauerland said: ‘’Boxing was a hobby that became a passion that still burns today. I’m very proud of my sons Kalle and Nisse who share this passion and are guiding the next generation of German World Champions.’’
On September 26, Sauerland’s ‘Next Generation’ of superstars get their chance to shine, with Interim WBA World Light Middleweight Champion Jack Culcay and highly touted super middleweight contender Tyron Zeuge sharing top billing in the German capital.
Culcay, the 29 year-old from Hamburg, will make a first defence of the Interim WBA title he clinched with a unanimous points victory over Maurice Weber, against the undefeated Australian Dennis ‘Hurricane’ Hogan (22-0-1, 7 KOs). ‘’It’s an honour for me to headline this special anniversary show,’’ said ‘Golden Jack’. ‘’It doesn’t matter how tough Hogan is, I will do everything I can to ensure I win!’’
Zeuge, the 23 year-old Berlin-native, will face former European champion Eduard Gutknecht (28-3-1, 11 KOs) for the WBO Intercontinental Super Middleweight title. ‘’First I will win the Intercontinental title, and then I will go on to become World Champion. I will not allow Gutknecht to stand in my way.’’
