Ulli Wegner still enjoys forming fighters into champions. Therefore, the 71-year-old signed a contract extension with Team Sauerland last week. On November 23, two of his fighters can validate Wegner’s decision: IBF and RING Cruiserweight World Champion Yoan Pablo Hernandez (27-1, 13 KOs) has a mandatory defense against Alexander Alekseev (24-2-1, 20 KOs) lined up and Eduard Gutknecht (25-2, 9 KOs) can make the next step towards a world title shot versus Dmitry Sukhotsky (20-2, 15 KOs) at brose Arena in Bamberg, Germany. Here are Wegner’s assessments on the following topics…
…Training: Both throw themself into it. Hernandez and Gutknecht are already in tremendous physical shape. There is still some work to do regarding tactics in training camp. But I feel certain that both will be more than ready come November 23.
…IBF World Champion Hernandez: He is working very consciously in training. However, as soon as he steps inside the ring for his fights, his Cuban temper gets the best of him. If he can find a way to canalize it and stays focused, Pablo would be nearly unbeatable. Never before, I had a more talented boxer with the combination in skills and explosiveness under my wings. I see him putting it all together against Alekseev, beating him in dominant fashion.
…Light Heavyweight Contender Gutknecht: He can do much better than he did in the past and he is aware of this fact. Eddy is really a clever guy. When I am talking to him about certain tactics and technique, he often tells me not to speak to him like a professor. Altough Sukhotsky is determined and uncompromising fighter, I see Gutknecht making the next step towards a world championship fight in Bamberg.
Tickets for the big fight night at the brose Arena in Bamberg can be purchased at www.eventim.de and www.boxen.com.
