Ulrich to Avenge Michalczewski?

European light heavyweight champion Thomas Ulrich, 27-1 (19), is eager and highly motivated to make his great breakthrough this year. Before defending his EBU title on March 26 against Englishman Matthew Barney, 26-4-1 (6), Ulrich expressed his desire to take revenge for the defeat of his stable mate Dariusz Michalczewski who was knocked out by WBA champion Fabrice Tiozzo on February 26 in Hamburg. “It would be the greatest thing I can imagine to fight against WBA champion Fabrice Tiozzo,” Ulrich said. “By defeating Michalczewski he killed my idol. I want to take revenge for the loss of Dariusz and then follow his footsteps.”

The fight of Thomas Ulrich headlines an event of Universum Box-Promotion on March 26 at Riesa, Germany (Saxony).

“It’s time now for the big breakthrough,” coach Torsten Schmitz agrees who can’t await getting his charge Thomas Ulrich into the ring. The fans are as eager to see Ulrich back in action as is his trainer. It’s because the best German light heavyweight contender recently called off two consecutive fights due to illness.

“This won’t happen this time, Thomas is in great shape,” Schmitz said. “Thomas understood that he can realize his dream of becoming world champion now with two consecutive victories.”

As always in boxing, those two victories won’t come to Ulrich as a gift.

“I’ll make Ulrich pay in the ring for letting me wait so long,” Barney said who previously prepared twice for nothing when the German called off their scheduled fights.

“I know that Matthew Barney is very upset. But I don’t mind,” Ulrich said. “I have to concentrate on my strengths and on my technique.”

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.

Beside his certain title chance at the WBC Ulrich isn’t short of alternatives being ranked WBA #3 and WBO #1.

Ulrich is holding the European light heavyweight title for the second time 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. Ulrich’s only loss came in July 2001 against Glen Johnson, currently regarded as the world’s best fighter at 175 lb.

“Thomas ain’t an easy person to deal with,” coach Schmitz said. “But this combined with his great skills is just what makes him destined for a world title. He outboxed Graciano Rocchigiani and sent him into retirement. He defeated world class opponents like Michael Rush and Silvio Branco. At age 29 he is also mature enough for being a worthy world champion.”

ZDF is broadcasting live from Riesa at 23:00.

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).