Sebastian Sylvester and Mahir Oral trade blows at final presser
In light of their title fight Saturday night in Rostack, Germany, the outrageously popular IBF middleweight champ Sebastian Sylvester (33-3, 16 KOs) and challenger Mahir Oral (28-2, 11 KOs) sat down for their final press conference and exchanged verbal blows.
Sylvester said: “I expect to go the distance. Mahir has prepared well and will be a difficult opponent. But if I hit his chin or his liver, it could soon be over for him. With the support of my home fans, I will defend my title.”
Many wondered if Sylvester was slyly referring to Mahir’s battle with super middleweight contender Arthur Abraham, in which he was floored due to a stomach-curling liver shot in the 10th round.
For his part, Oral refused to believe “The Hurricane” possesses the requisite power to knock him out, and will have to rely on outpointing him to earn the win. “He can hit my chin or my liver as often as he likes,” Oral said, poking fun at the champion.
“It will not help him out.”
Oral stated his intention since losing to Abraham last year: “I will make the most of my chance and leave as the new champion. I have learned my lesson from the world title fight against Arthur Abraham. Back then I had not prepared well enough to shake off
his heavy shots. But this time everything went well in practice. I am in great shape and I will take the title.”
The undercard for the bout will be packed with heavyweight prospect Kubrat Pulev (8-0, 5 KOs) taking on the much more experienced Dominick Guinn (33-6, 12 KOs).
Unified Norwegian female champ Cecilia Braekhus will also take on undefeated challenger Mikaela Lauren. Braekhus confirmed she is confident for the fight, having “prepared very well for Lauren.”
Braekhus said: “As a former swimmer, I know she will have excellent condition and exceptional strength. But she will be in deep waters against me. I want to beat the best fighters out there and Lauren is certainly one of them. She is ranked second by BoxRec
and she comes off an impressive victory over Jill Emery. So I will be prepared for a tough fight.”
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