On September 27th in Hamburg, Spotlight Boxing fighter Vladimir "The Hunter" Virchis (24-1-0, 20 KOs) is fighting in a WBC heavyweight eliminator against former world champion Juan Carlos "Black Panther" Gomez (43-1-0, 35 KO) in a bout to determine the official challenger for the winner of the upcoming WBC title clash between reigning titleholder Samuel Peter and Vitali Klitschko. The former European champion Virchis recently answered some questions about the fight.

How is your conditioning?

I feel great. I'm fit as ever and highly motivated. This is the result of more than nine weeks of hard work with my coach Conny Mittermeier.

How do you assess Juan Carlos Gomez?

I have respect for all of my opponents. The only important thing for me that I neither underestimate or overestimate them.

Where does the nickname "The Hunter" come from?

I was once hunting with a few friends in the Ukraine. When we standing together in a group, I held my gun with the barrel down. Suddenly a shot accidentally fired and splinters of the bullet unfortunately slightly injured some bystanders. Since then I've never hunted, but soon after I had the nickname "The Hunter."

The fight on Saturday is a heavyweight eliminator and the winner will fight for the WBC world championship belt against the winner between Samuel Peter and Vitali Klitschko - is this your big chance?

Yes, of course, I can beat both of them. But first on September 27th is the biggest and most important fight of my career against the "Black Panther." And logically, "the Hunter" will bring down "The "Panther." Quite simply I'll knock him out!

Trainer Conny Mittermeier adds, "Vladimir is doing great and is properly prepared. He is fit as he has ever been, is at his best fighting weight in a long time and is ready to stay on his toes. We've polished his technique in recent weeks but everyone knows Vladimir can hit.

The "Universum Champions Night" event at the Color Line Arena will feature a total of five title fights. In the main event, WBA cruiserweight champion Firat Arslan faces mandatory challenger Guillermo Jones. Tickets are still available at +040 / 69 65 59 59 and www.boxing.de.