Ulrich Headlines for Universum.

European light heavyweight champion Thomas Ulrich is headlining an event of Universum Box-Promotion on March 26 in Riesa, Germany (Saxony). Ulrich is defending his European crown against Englishman Matthew Barney, 26-4-1 (6). In case of a victory the 29-year-old Berliner will get the chance to fight for the WBC light heavyweight world title in summer. The WBC belt has been vacated by American Antonio Tarver last year. On May 21 Australian Paul Briggs and Polish Tomasz Adamek will contest for the vacant crown with the WBC #2 ranked Ulrich facing the winner. Originally WBO interim champion Mario Veit was scheduled to headline the event in Riesa. But Universum currently works on a rematch between him and WBO super middleweight champion Joe Calzaghe. These proceedings led to a collision of dates. Ulrich is holding the European title since July 17, 2004, when he knocked out Italy’s Silvio Branco in round 11. The fight against Barney will be his first title defense.

ZDF is broadcasting live from Riesa at 22:00.

Second attraction on March 26 will be Russian heavyweight contender Ruslan Chagaev, 15-0-1 (13), who is fighting Sherman Williams, 25-9-2 (15) from the Bahamas.

On the undercard: Koren Gevor (middleweight), Karoly Balzsay (super middleweight) und Sebastian Zbik (middleweight).