Enrico Koelling (12-0, 4 KOs) is currently one of the most exciting prospects to come out of Germany. The 24-year-old light heavyweight aims to prove his potential on the April 5 undercard to the WBA Title Fight between defending champion Juergen Braehmer and challenger Enzo Maccarinelli in Rostock, Germany. The Berlin native is set to meet 33-year-old Mirzet Bajrektarevic (8-1, 4 KOs) in a scheduled eight round contest.
Koelling won the WBO Youth Belt in his last fight but had to relinquish it shortly after due to turning 24 in late February. “It was a sensational feeling to win my first pro title on January 25. Now I want to set my sights on the next one,” said the protégé of coach Karsten Roewer.
His teammate and world champion Juergen Braehmer believes that Koelling can go all the way. “He has the fire and determination to make it to the top. I seldom meet such a hardworking boxer as Enrico,” Braehmer adds ”He has given me fantastic sparring since I have been with Team Sauerland and is one of the reasons why I am currently the WBA Champion.”
Hagen Doering, matchmaker for Team Sauerland also sees a lot of potential in Koelling: “Every time he steps through the ropes you can see a real progression in his technique and tactics. This is why we plan to have him fight for a championship this summer – whether this be an Intercontinental or even a European Championship.’’
But first Koelling has to get Croatian Bajrektarevic out of the way. “He is southpaw and last time I fought, I beat a southpaw by knockout,” Koelling states optimistically. “This will be the perfect warm up ahead of a big fight this summer!”