Povetkin-Huck press conference

Marco Huck (34-1, 25 KOs) believes speed will be key to defeat WBA Heavyweight Champion Alexander Povetkin (23-0, 16 KOs) when they clash in Stuttgart on February 25. Having made eight successful defences of his WBO Cruiserweight Title, Huck is ready to move up. “I want to write boxing history and become the first German heavyweight champion since Max Schmeling,” Huck said at today´s press conference in Stuttgart. “Povetkin is a very strong opponent, he has won everything as an amateur and now is the world champion. But I know I can beat him. I have trained hard. I am much faster than him.” Added his coach Ulli Wegner: “This is a very special fight that means a lot to everybody. We fancy our chances. One thing is clear, though. Marco can only win if he will be faster than Povetkin.”

Povetkin, who stopped American veteran Cedric Boswell in his first defence last month, expects a hard fight. “I have a lot of respect for Huck,” he stated. “He is fast, tough and very aggressive. I will be prepared for his speed. I will enter the ring in top shape and defend my title.”

Kalle Sauerland is convinced that the clash at the Porsche-Arena will be one to remember. “A lot of people have asked us why we match two of our best fighters against each other,” he stated. “The answer is simple: We want to make the most exciting fights out there. We owe that to the fans. Povetkin-Huck will be the most dramatic and thrilling heavyweight title clash in many, many years.”