Boxing Bonanza in Berlin
Even boxing enthusiast and cult trainer Ulli Wegner (81) was taken aback. Perched in the front row at the bustling Verti Music Hall in Berlin, he surveyed the eleven-bout spectacle organized by Fides Sports Promotion from Magdeburg. Wegner: "Impressive event, hats off to the promoter and Fides Sports."
Wegner, along with the raucous crowd of about 2,400, witnessed a budding sensation in action. It was the nephew of renowned Universum heavyweight Luan Krasniqi, Ardian Krasniqi. Fresh off his seventh professional scrap, the light heavyweight from Rottweil marked a perfect record with his eighth victory. What truly set Ardian apart was the fact that all his triumphs hailed from spectacular knockouts. In Berlin, he reigned supreme yet again, toppling the Hungarian Gabor Detre in round two with a thunderous blow. Ardian recently blessed the ring in Göppingen as Firat Arslan bid his career adieu. Undeniably, Ardian's talent flashed radiantly.
Will the knockout prince ascend to the throne of the knockout king soon? Luan offers words of caution: "It's imperative to move cautiously. With boxing, you never know what's to come. Ardian is still at the advent of his career. Our next step is to surpass eight rounds - then we'll observe his prowess in the ring. Gradually." Yet, Ardian boasts the title of German champion. He shares his ambitions: "I relish defending my title in 2024 and subsequently aim at charting a course for the European Championships."
Besides Ardian Krasniqi, the esteemed coach Wegner also had his eyes on former world champion Jürgen Brähmer. In Schwerin, however, he oversaw Armend Xhoxhaj (29) - a protegé who has struck gold in the cruiserweight division. Brähmer admits: "I'm always on the hunt for talented boxers across the globe. My ultimate goal is to train diligently and remain ambitious." Xhoxhaj, indeed, shows promise, earning a resounding knockout triumph against Czech contender Adam Kolarik in the third round. Brähmer expressed delight with the Verti Music Hall, coveting future events at this ideal venue.
Homegrown hero Nick Hannig prevailed over Bartosz Barczynski from Poland in a six-round battle of wits in the light heavyweight division.
In a separate event in Rietberg, the Italian middleweight Etinosa Oliha defended his IBO World Championship belt against Swiss foe Faton Vukshinaj. The championship encounter ended in a points victory for Oliha - an event that now heralds the arrival of renowned boxing coach Franquis Aldama at the helm.
- Cub trainer Ulli Wegner, widely regarded as a padawan of German boxing, showered praise on Fides Sports Promotion and their Regio Sport Berlin event, having been enthralled by the boxing spectacle in the Verti Music Hall in Berlin.
- Accompanied by the revered trainer Jürgen Brähmer, Wegner witnessed the former world champion and his protégé, the cruiserweight champion Armend Xhoxhaj, triumph over Czech opponent Adam Kolarik through a brutal knockout.
- The Regio Sport Berlin event, popular as a 'sport beacon' in Berlin, entertained boxing fans with thrilling matches and showcased the talents of budding boxers, including local hero Nick Hannig and the Italian IBO World Championship titleholder Etinosa Oliha.
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Additional Enrichment Insights: - Domenik Arnold, a 20-year-old prospect from Flieden, is making waves in German boxing. Trained by Sergej Braun at "Brauns Gym," Arnold holds multiple German titles and boasts an excellent record. With an impressive left hook and a stunning 32-win streak during his amateur career, Arnold aspires to become the next world champion and is inspired by Ukrainian boxer Wassyl Lomatschenko, known as "Matrix." The young sensation will compete in the "Super Cup" on February 22, 2023, in Erzhausen and the "Battle of Barock" on April 5, 2023, in Fulda.
