Rafael Farrait believes Saturday´s IBF Middleweight Title fight between top-ranked challengers Giovanni Lorenzo and Sebastian Sylvester will not go the distance. The two fighters clash for King Arthur Abraham´s belt following his move to super-middleweight to participate in the Super Six World Boxing Classic. “It will be a very hard fight on Saturday,” Farrait said at today´s press conference in Neubrandenburg´s town hall. “Giovanni is very strong and throws great punches. He is also very fast. The fight will not go the distance.”
Lorenzo (27-1, 19 KOs) also voiced his confidence. “A lot of people make big predictions but do not follow it up inside the ring,” he stated. “I am not like that. On Saturday, everybody will see who I am. Sylvester has only fought old guys and weak Italians but now he comes face-to-face with a young, hungry fighter.”
Sylvester (31-3, 15 KOs) would not allow himself to be dragged into a battle of words before the fight. “He can say what he wants,” said the Hurricane. “I feel honoured to fight for the world title in front of my home fans. I will not disappoint them. I will win.” Added his coach Karsten Rower: “It was key for Sebastian to complete the sparring sessions without any injuries. Everything went very well. He is in top shape and can enter the fight with a lot of confidence. He is in the right state of mind and ready for Saturday.”
On the undercard, Francesco Pianeta will defend his EU Heavyweight Title against former European Champion Matt Skelton. “That will be a very interesting fight,” said Team Sauerland Sports Director Hagen Doering. “Of course we are confident that Francesco will win.”
The venue has been sold out for weeks.