nisse sauerland Archives

NIELSEN CHALLENGES NGABU FOR EUROPEAN TITLE

Micki Nielsen (25-1, 15 KOs) will challenge Yves Ngabu (19-0, 14 KOs) for the European Cruiserweight title on February 16 at the Eventhal Schiervelde in Roeselare, Belgium.

Nielsen has landed a golden opportunity to claim Euro glory having been named mandatory challenger for Ngabu’s belt, but can expect a tough task, travelling away from home to meet the undefeated champion in his backyard.

Ngabu claimed the European title with a fourth-round stoppage win over Tomas Ladi in April 2017, and recorded his first defence in similarly empathic fashion, forcing Geoffrey Battelo to retire in the third-round in January this year.

“I’m very happy to get the chance to fight for the European title,” said Nielsen. “This is a big opportunity for me and I will do everything possible to bring the belt home to Denmark.

“I know Ngabu is a tough fighter and a strong champion but I believe I can beat him. I’m not worried about going to Belgium and fighting in front of his supporters. A ring is a ring, and when the bell goes, it will be just me and him.

“I’ve never backed down from a challenge and I’ve never turned down a fight. Ngabu should be ready for war because that’s what I’m bringing!”

Promoter Nisse Sauerland is backing his fighter to get the job done in Belgium.

“Throughout his career, we’ve only seen glimpses of Micki’s true potential,” he says. “But on February 16, it’s his time to shine. Yves Ngabu is a good fighter but he’s never met anyone with Micki’s strength and ability before.”

Read more on Sauerland Promotion HERE

Images by Sauerland Promotion

BOXING: PARKER SET FOR SHOULDER SURGERY, OPEN TO WILLIAMS REMATCH WHEN HE RETURNS

Zach Parker suffered a dislocated left shoulder and tears to his rotator cuff, labrum and subscapularis during his British title win over Darryll Williams on November 3 at The SSE Hydro in Glasgow, and will undergo surgery this week to repair the damage.

Parker sustained the injury at the end of the second round and was forced to box with one arm for the remainder of the contest as he edged out Williams in a competitive fight to claim the Lonsdale belt via split decision.

“The pain was awful,” said Parker. “I’ve never felt anything like it before, but with the guidance of my trainers Errol Johnson and Paul Mann, I grit my teeth, kept my calm and boxed smart.

“There was never any question I would quit. That’s not in my nature. Obviously, it was killing me, but I couldn’t pull out of the fight of my life. I’ve been waiting for this opportunity for a long time and I wasn’t going to give it up.

“Considering I only had one arm and I was limited to what I could throw, I was pleased with my performance. I couldn’t throw combinations like I wanted to. I had to be smart and know when to stand and fight and when to move.”

Parker’s treatment and rehabilitation will be overseen by leading UK shoulder specialist Len Funk and former Manchester City physio Jamie Murphy.

The 24 year-old is expected to be out of action until April next year, but has already stated he is happy to give Williams a rematch when he returns.

“Most definitely,” says Parker. “I told Williams after the fight we should have a rematch because it was really close. It would be another good fight for the fans and this time I would be 100 percent with two hands.”

A sentiment shared by his manager Neil Marsh, who said: “We have absolutely no issue giving Williams a rematch. Zach Parker is an elite level fighter. It was a very close fight with one hand, but with two hands, there’ll be no question.”

Promoter Nisse Sauerland has praised Parker’s bravery and says he is proud for the Derbyshire man to become Team Sauerland’s first British Champion.

“Zach showed a real warrior’s heart on Saturday in Glasgow,” said Sauerland. “To fight the way he did with only one arm was impressive. Even more so now we know the extent of the damage. I’m extremely proud of his performance and proud of him becoming Team Sauerland’s first British Champion.”