Q&A Sebastian Sylvester

IBF Middleweight Champion Sebastian Sylvester (33-3, 16 KOs) will make a second defence of his title in Neubrandenburg, Germany on June 5 when he takes on mandatory challenger Roman Karmazin (40-3, 26 KOs). Boxing-Online.com has caught up with the 29-year-old “Hurricane” ahead of what could be the most difficult fight of his career.

Q: Sebastian, how has the preparation going for the big fight on June 5?

A: Things have been going really well, thanks a lot. I have been in training camp in Gustrow (East Germany) since the end of March. My coach Karsten Rower comes up with new mean training exercises all the time. It has been exhausting but very productive. I am in great shape.

Q: How hard is it mentally to be in an isolated training camp for such a long time?

A: It is no problem. We are a little bit isolated but that is fine. It helps to relax and to focus.

Q: How do you kill the time?

A: Last weekend, we went fishing in the Baltic Sea, which was a great experience. I also like to play poker. But most of the time I just try to relax and sleep because I am really tired from all the tough work-outs.

Q: You have a tough defence coming up against Karmazin. What do you know about him?

A: We have analysed him closely. He is a very strong guy with a very good left. His left is very versatile – he uses it as hook, straight or uppercut. Sometimes he keeps it low to lure his opponent into opening up so that he can counter quickly. His speed is quite impressive. But I am the world champion – and I will remain the world champion, no doubt about that.

Q: What makes you so confident of success?

A: I have had the longest preparation of my career. We have again come up with a strong game plan. And I will have support of my fans. Karamzin will find out what that means.

Q: It is the fifth time you will be fighting in Neubrandenburg. All of your fights have sold-out, and the fans always raise the roof when you are inside the ring. What does their support mean to you?

A: It is very important for me and gives me the little extra motivation I need. When I first fought in Neubrandenburg, I was baffled – the support was gigantic. I was so happy to give the fans something back by winning the world title last September. Now I look forward to putting on another strong performance on June 5.

Q: You will get married after the fight…with or without the belt?

A: I am indeed planning to get married before my 30th birthday – and of course I want to be a world champion when I get married. But I am sure my fiancée Diana would also marry me without the belt…

Q: What does your family mean to you?

A: My family means everything to me. Diana and I have been together for 13 years and we have a nine-year-old daughter, Lea-Chantal. Unfortunately, I am away quite a lot with all the training camps. I would love to see them more often. But we are all very close, and that is the way it should be. If they are happy and all is well, I have the focus and concentration I need to perform at a top level in practice and also during the fights.