IBF Middleweight Champion Sebastian Sylvester is brimming with confidence ahead of his mandatory defence against Roman Karmazin. The 29-year-old German (30-3, 16 KOs) is under pressure to keep the belt for a very special reason. “I will get married this summer and I want to get married as world champion,” he said. “Karmazin will not spoil my wedding. He is a strong guy with a good left but we have carefully analysed him. I know I got what it takes to beat him. With the help of my fans in Neubrandenburg, I will defend my title for a second time and then get married as a world champion.”

Karmazin (40-3, 26 KOs) is determined to put his name into the history books. “I want to become the first Russian who has been a world champion in two different weight classes,” the former IBF Light-Middleweight titlist said. “Sylvester really trains hard and is in good shape, but I am here to win and spoil his party.” That is why Sylvester´s coach Karsten Rower has prepared his fighter for a tough night. “Karmazin is strong, but Sebastian has worked very well during the long preparation. We have a good game plan and will make sure the belt stays in Germany.”