Q&A

If everything had gone according to plan, Oktay Urkal's opponent in his mandatory title defence on September 3rd would have been Thomas Damgaard. But the so far undefeated Dane (36-0-0, 27 KOs) pulled out because, according to a statement of his management, Team Palle, Damgaard needed more preparation time for the match. This is why Urkal (35-3-0, 11 KOs) will instead defend his European welterweight belt against the Russian Maxim Nesterenko (44-7-2, 28 KOs). Nesterenko was European champion from 1998 to 1999, Intercontinental IBF champion 1995/1996 and WBC champion 1996/1997. Urkal spoke with Fightnews about the upcoming title defense in Berlin and about the joys of boxing in a higher weight class.