Heavyweight Filip Hrgović (pictured, 36-4 including the World Series of Boxing) will have a new opponent on Saturday night, Greece’s Alexandre Kartozia (8-1-1, 7 KOs) at the Struer Energi Park in Denmark. Kartozia replaces Ondrej Pala following a short-notice withdrawal. Hrgovic's promoter, Sauerland Event confirmed that the heavy handed Kartozia has accepted the fight and will arrive in Denmark shortly. Kartozia will be fighting for the second time this year having secured a third round knockout victory over Mexico’s Manuel Duran at the Big Punch Arena in Tijuana on January 25th.

 

“People think he is scary because he has a good amateur career and his nickname is The Animal,” said Kartozia. “Well, I fear no man. He has never felt power like I have and I hope he overlooks me, because this Saturday night I will create history and change the future.”

 

“Obviously a short notice change of opponent is never ideal for the fighter,” said Promoter Nisse Sauerland. “It is difficult enough to find opponents for Filip at the best of times, but especially during the current situation. Kartozia says he is going to fight fire with fire and that he is a true gladiator, so we are sure both men will put on a great show and the fans at the Struer Energi Park Arena will not be disappointed.” 

 

Hrgović vs Kartozia is as a co-feature to Struer's local hero, Dina Thorslund (14-0, 6 KOs), who defends her WBO 122-pound championship against Serbian challenger Nina Radovanovic (14-3, 3 KOs).

 

The return of live boxing will also see Team Sauerland’s latest signing Oliver Zaren (2-0, 2 KOs) make his promotional debut against Volodymyr Romanenko (9-9, 8 KOs). Danish boxers Oliver Mollenberg (5-0-1, 3 KOs), Payman Akbari (1-0, 1 KO) and Jacob Bank (pro debut) also feature on the undercard.