Undefeated Dutch super middleweight Nieky Holzken replaces Juergen Braehmer as Callum Smith’s Ali Trophy opponent after the German veteran was forced to withdraw from Saturday’s semi-final showdown in Nuremberg.
Braehmer has been suffering from influenza and yesterday revealed he would be unable to compete against Smith at the Arena Nürnberger Versicherung.
“I have been battling a feverish infection since Sunday,” said Braehmer. “Unfortunately, a fight in this state is out of the question. It is not possible for me to go into the ring like this and I would like to apologise to my fans. I was well prepared and looking forward to fighting Callum.”
The World Boxing Super Series’ format meant Holzken was already on standby as a reserve, and as the tournament’s Chief Boxing Officer Kalle Sauerland explains he will now have the opportunity to earn a place opposite WBA & IBO World Champion George Groves in the final.
“It is unfortunate for Braehmer particularly after such as strong showing in his quarter-final fight with Rob Brant,” said Kalle Sauerland. “Fortunately, we are prepared for such eventualities and the tournament will move forward with our reserve fighter Nieky Holzken facing Callum Smith in our fourth semi-final.”
Holzken, who had been preparing to face Russia’s Dmitrii Chudinov, insists he is ready to gatecrash the World Boxing Super Series party, and the fighter from Helmond, Holland has already issued some words of warning for his new opponent Smith.
“I’ve been waiting for this chance to come,” said Holzken. “I signed up as a substitute fighter so I’m in great shape and prepared for Saturday. I’ve watched Callum fight many times. I study everyone in my weight division. He’s a good, solid fighter. We’re both big body punchers. It will make for an excellent fight.”
“Callum, you better be ready, because I am, and I’m coming to beat you!”
WBC Diamond Champion Callum Smith and his trainer Joe Gallagher have spent the last months preparing for veteran southpaw Braehmer, but the tournament’s 2nd seeded super middleweight must now switch his focus to this new challenge.
“I gave an interview last week and said it’s great there have been no drop-outs,” said Smith. “Looks like I spoke too soon.”
“We got the call as we were boarding the plane. I am committed to fighting on Saturday and will fight whoever the World Boxing Super Series puts in front of me.”
###
Callum Smith (23-0. 17 KOs) and Nieky Holzken (13-0, 10 KOs) faced off for the first time at a media workout before their Trophy Semi-Final on Saturday at the Arena Nürnberger Versicherung.
“I am stepping up to meet one of the big guys in the super middleweight division,” said Holzken at the public workout. “But the fans can expect the unexpected on Saturday. I am here to beat Callum Smith.”
Callum Smith’s original opponent Germany’s Juergen Braehmer revealed yesterday he would be unable to compete in the semi-final because of a feverish infection.
The World Boxing Super Series’ format meant unbeaten Holzken was already on standby as a reserve.
After months of preparations, WBC Diamond Champion Callum Smith was forced to switch focus to a new challenge.
“Holzken looks like a good fighter,” said Smith after watching Holzken hitting the pads. “It really doesn’t matter who I am facing on Saturday. I wasn’t happy about my performance against Erik Skoglund in the quarter-final, but this time I will make a statement. Not only to the boxing fans, but also to George Groves. I want to put on a good show on Saturday,” said Smith.
Tickets for exciting match-up Smith vs. Holzken are available via eventim.de.