German middleweight Denis Radovan (12-0-1, 5 KOs) will make his international debut on October 26th on the undercard of the Ali Trophy Final between Josh Taylor and Regis Prograis at The 02 in London. The 27 year-old will look to continue his climb against former Commonwealth champion Luke Blackledge (26-8-2, 9 KOs). Radovan returns to the ring having secured the IBF European title with a points win over domestic rival Ronny Mittag in Wolfsburg in April. Blackledge has lost his last two fights.
“It’s unbelievable to be boxing on such a big show,” said Radovan. “This is without a doubt the biggest show I have ever boxed on, and I have to thank my promoters Team Sauerland for this fantastic opportunity. I know Blackledge very well, we had some very tough sparring sessions in Germany so I know I’m in for a tough fight, but I also took a lot of confidence from these spars. I’ve had a great camp and preparations have been perfect.”
Blackledge, a seasoned contender, has faced the likes of Rocky Fielding and series one World Boxing Super Series victor, WBA 168-pound super champion Callum Smith. He is confident his experience will give him the edge against the unbeaten Radovan. “I’m excited to get another big chance. I want to make a statement and put on a show,” said Blackledge. “I’ve had a great camp, I’ve been over to Norway to spar, and now I’m fit and I’m ready to go. I was in Germany sparring Tyron Zeuge a few years ago and Radovan was in the same training camp, so I spent the whole month in camp with him sparring and training so I know what he’s about. I know I’m going to have to go through hell and I’m going to take him somewhere he’s never been before. With my experience, grit and determination to win it’s going to be a hard night for him. I won’t lie down for anyone - I’m going there to win 110%.”
Promoter Nisse Sauerland is anticipating an excellent night of action and is looking forward to watching rising star Radovan make his UK debut.
“Fighting on a card like this is a very special opportunity for Denis,” said Sauerland. “This will be his first fight abroad and with Blackledge he gets a very experienced opponent who has boxed plenty of big names. All in all Denis can take a lot out of this fight!”
World Boxing Super Series finalists Regis Prograis (24-0, 20 KOs) and Josh Taylor (15-0, 12 KOs) headline the huge show at The 02 as both fighters compete for the Ali Trophy and the IBF and WBA 140-pound titles... London’s Dereck Chisora (31-9, 22 KOs) takes on popular Liverpudlian David Price (25-6, 20 KOs) in a hotly anticipated British heavyweight duel... fellow Londoner Lawrence Okolie (13-0, 10 KOs) looks to add another belt to his collection as he challenges Yves Ngabu (20-0, 14 KOs) for the Belgian’s European Cruiserweight title.... former champions Ricky Burns (43-7-1, 16 KOs) and Lee Selby (27-2, 9 KOs) meet in an intriguing lightweight clash, whilst Team Sauerland’s Abass Baraou (7-0, 4 KOs) makes his UK debut against the resilient John O’Donnell (33-2, 11 KOs).
Also featuring on the stacked fight card are young stars Conor Benn (15-0, 10 KOs), Austin Williams (3-0, 3KOs) and Shannon Courtenay (3-0, 1 KO) who continue their education in the paid ranks. All the action from the 02 Arena is available to watch live on Sky Sports Box Office in the UK and DAZN in the US. Tickets are available online via www.AXS.com.
