Smith is ready to fight anyone
FIGHTER COMMITTED TO WEEKEND BOUT DESPITE CHANGE OF OPPONENT
CALLUM Smith insists it doesn’t matter who he fights on Saturday after Jurgen Brahmer pulled out of their World Boxing Super Series semi-final.
Brahmer has been suffering from flu and revealed on Monday he would be unable to compete against Smith at the Arena Nürnberger Versicherung in Germany.
It means that undefeated Dutch super-middleweight Nieky Holzken will step in, as he was the reserve fighter out on call in case an injury took place.
Smith, who trains at Joe Gallagher’s gym in Bolton, now just has a few days to prepare for Holzken, but says he’s happy to fight anybody.
“I gave an interview last week and said it’s great there have been no drop-outs. Looks like I spoke too soon,” he said.
“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.”
It is the latest set-back to hit the Super Series, as on Saturday George Groves suffered a shoulder injury during his semi-final win against Chris Eubank Jr at the Manchester Arena and is now a doubt for the final.
Brahmer had defeated Rob Brant in the quarter-final to reach this stage, but says he is in no condition to fight this weekend.
“I have been battling a feverish infection since Sunday. Unfortunately, a fight in this state is out of the question,” he said. “It is not possible for me to go into the ring like this. I would like to apologise to my fans. I was well prepared and looking forward to fighting Callum.”
Holzken is unbeaten, having put together a record of 13-0 with 10 of those wins coming by stoppage, and he is excited to face Smith this weekend.
“I’ve been waiting for this chance to come. I signed up as a substitute fighter so I’m in great shape and prepared for Saturday,” he said.
“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!”
It is the first time in the Super Series tournament that a replacement had to step in, but promoter Kalle Sauerland was glad to have Holzken on standby.
“It is unfortunate for Brahmer, particularly after such a strong showing from him in his quarterfinal fight with Rob Brant,” he said.
“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.”