For the first time since 2010, a Danish fighter will contest the European title on home soil when the Aarhus-boxer takes on the current British Champion Walsh.
Jensen, the President of the Danish Professional Boxing Federation and former European Flyweight Champion, admits this will be a special moment for him.
‘’It is always a special moment for me to see a Danish fighter challenging for a title, especially a major title like the European, because I know how much hard work they’ve had to do to go up in the ring and fight for twelve rounds.
‘’For a fighter, the European belt is one of the most important titles you can win because when you’re Champion of Europe you’re ranked top five in the World with all of the governing bodies, which is a good thing to have on your resume.’’
Jensen won the European Flyweight title in 1996, outpointing former Champion Salvatore Fanni at the K.B Hallen in Copenhagen, a feat the fighter from Slagelse still ranks among his proudest achievements.
‘’That was my first title fight, and to win the European title against a former Champion was a big moment for me,’’ said Jensen.
‘’I wasn’t known for being a big puncher, but I remember I caught him with a lot of shots, and I was thinking, how can he still go on? I also hurt my knuckle in the fifth or sixth round, but kept going, and I learnt a lot that night. I fought a good fight and I’m very proud to have been a European Champion.’’
But does Jensen believe Ceylan has the ability to follow in his footsteps and become Denmark’s next European Champion?
‘’I think Dennis has far greater boxing skills than mine,’’ said Jensen. ‘’But the difference could be his heart. Next Saturday, he has to prove he has the heart to become a Champion. I had the heart to carry on for every round even when things weren’t going my way, and now Dennis must prove he can do the same.’’
Jensen says he has seen a lot of improvements in Ceylan’s style, which should stand him in good stead for his European title challenge.
‘’Dennis has developed a lot in recent years,’’ says Jensen. ‘’He has gone from a good amateur fighter to a true professional. He used to be a guy who would throw a lot of punches, but now he is taking his time and picking his shots.
‘’I think Walsh’s style will suit him because Dennis is a good mover and a good counter puncher, and hopefully he can frustrate Walsh and make him miss.’’
Dennis Ceylan’s European title fight with Ryan Walsh tops a blockbuster bill at the Arena Nord in Frederikshavn. Rashid Kassem faces his toughest career test against British boxer Joe Murray, Abdul Khattab takes on Bartlomiej Grafka, Dina Thorslund faces Oksana Romanova, and professional debutant Mikkel Mielsen meets Andrei Dolhozhyieu.
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