Press Release: Marco “Captain” Huck (23-1) will make his second defense of the European cruiserweight championship against Geoffrey Batello in Riesa on January 24th. The planned challenger, Vadim Safonov, has been hindered by an injury and pulled out. Unbeaten in eighteen fights, Batello boasts a record of 15 KOs. “Batello is an excellent challenger for Captain Huck,” Sauerland Event general manager Chris Meyer said. “The fight against him will be more difficult than the one against Safonov. We know Batello very well. He has been in full practice and is in top shape. And his fight record speaks for itself.” In the last six months, the 29-year-old Belgian has been a sparring partner at the Max-Schmeling-Gym in Berlin where he proved to be a tough opponent for Sauerland´s cruiserweights. “He is very dangerous,” head coach Ulli Wegner said. “He is very athletic, very dynamic and very offensive-minded. Marco really needs to be on alert.” Also in action in Riesa will be Enad Licina, Alexander Abraham, Cengiz Koc, Yoan Pablo Hernandez and Arthur Hein.