“My dream is to become a World Champion before turning 24,” said Nielsen.
In 1905, Danish-born Oscar Mathaeus Nielsen claimed the World Lightweight Championship at the age of 23 years and three months. The charismatic fighter, better known as ‘Battling Nelson’, had migrated to the United States and made a big name for himself and earning a spot in boxing’s Hall of Fame.
A name Micki Nielsen encountered when he, at the beginning of his career, sat down with his manager, and played with the idea that Micki one day could be known as ‘Battling Nielsen’.
“I’ve read about ‘Battling Nelson’. He was one of the toughest and most durable boxers in history, so obviously it would be great to get a world title as quickly as he did,” he says.
Nielsen turned 23 years old on February 26, and while it is unlikely that he will be able to beat Nelson’s record in the next three months, it is possible that Nielsen, like Nelson, can become World Champion before his 24th birthday.
“It’s a great motivation to chase the opportunity,” said Nielsen, whose fight tonight against former World title challenger Mirko Larghetti (20-1, 16 KOs) will give an indication as to whether the Danish southpaw is ready to equal Nelson’s record.
‘’I’m confident I will beat Larghetti,’’ he said. ‘’This fight will prove I’m ready to face the biggest names in the division. I think it is realistic that I can become World Champion before I turn 24 if I continue to train hard and keep myself injury free.”
The youngest Danish World Champion in modern era is Johnny Bredahl who held the WBO World Super Flyweight Title in 1992 shortly after turning 24 years old.
Limited tickets for the Nordic Fight Night at the Albertslund Musikteatret featuring Micki Nielsen’s WBC International Cruiserweight title defence and Mirko Larghetti are available online via www.billetlugen.dk or by calling or by calling (+45) 70 263 267.
