The WBA World Light Heavyweight Champion will be defending his title against Gutknecht in a repeat of their European title fight in February 2013, which saw Braehmer take the belt from his domestic rival with a closely contested points decision.
‘’There was a lot of uncertainty before our first fight,’’ reflects Braehmer. ‘’I was returning after almost a year out of the ring and I didn’t know how much I still had in the tank. A lot of people wanted to write me off and there was a lot of pressure on me to perform, but that night I proved my potential, and not only did the win lead me to a shot at the World title, it also allowed me to prove, to myself and to the fans, that I still had a lot to give.
‘’This time I will be going into the ring full of confidence. I know what I’m capable of and I believe I’m a better fighter now than I was three years ago, but I’m not sure the same can be said of Gutknecht. He’s a good fighter and he deserves his shot, but I’m the World Champion and no one is going to take my title from me.’’
Gutknecht, who disputes the decision in their first fight, is eager to exact revenge, and says he will prove the WBA World Champion Braehmer is past his best.
‘’I know I didn’t lose out first fight,’’ says Gutknecht. ‘’Juergen Braehmer didn’t beat me, the belt was taken from me by the judges, but this time, I will leave the decision in no doubt. This opportunity has come at the perfect time for me and I couldn’t be more motivated.
‘’I don’t believe Braehmer has improved since our last fight. He’s 37 years old so I can’t see how this is possible. Of course, he’s a good fighter but he’s on the decline and his stamina is gone. I think if Juergen and his coach look at my best performances and compare it to his recent fights, even they must know the truth.
‘’I’m at the stage of my career where there can be no more excuses. I have nothing to lose and everything to gain. I know I have what it takes to win this fight, and on Saturday, I will prove that Braehmer’s time is over and I will be crowned World Champion!’’
Tickets for the WBA World Light Heavyweight Championship contest between Juergen Braehmer and Eduard Gutknecht on Saturday night at the Jahnsportforum in Neubrandenburg are available online via www.tickethall.de and www.eventim.de.
