Michael Eifert is now the official challenger of IBF light heavyweight champion Artur Beterbiev
It was a classic fight on Friday that has written a piece of sports history for German boxing. With a disciplined and strategically convincing performance, the Bautzen-born Michael Eifert, who now lives and trains in Bavarian Kempten with his trainer Ali Celik, dominated former world champion Jean Pascal in his hometown of Montreal right from the start of the fight.
Pascal seemed to have no answer for his German opponent at this early stage of the fight. On the contrary, Michael Eifert repeatedly had his opponent in trouble, dominated with beautiful combinations, and counteracted Pascal’s attempts to land with ease. The 15-year younger Eifert won round after round, the Canadian audience gradually fell silent and went into the final rounds with a clear points lead.
Anyone who expected the experienced that Jean Pascal wouldatack late in the figh was disappointed. Michael Eifert always had an answer for his opponent’s attacks. In the corner of Jean Pascal, the despair grew steadily, and in the end, SES light heavyweight Eifert still had the advantages on his side.
A great performance based on excellent fitness and a clever and disciplined strategy of his trainer Ali Celik were the basic building blocks for this convincing performance. In the end, Michael Eifert could raise his hands to a clear and decisive points victory.
Michael Eifert: “Thanks to the great preparation in Kempten and Magdeburg, with over 120 sparring rounds, I was really fit for my first fight over 12 rounds. Our strategy worked out 100 percent, and I was able to stifle Pascal’s attacks quickly. As planned – the ‘young lion’ defeated the ‘old lion.’ I am now thrilled to be just one step away from my athletic goal of becoming a world champion.”
Trainer Ali Celik: “Michael has shown a great fight, and we have rewarded ourselves for our hard work in preparation. He has perfectly implemented our plan from beginning to end. I didn’t see any nervousness or weak moments. We didn’t want to give the old champion a platform – now we have used this platform for ourselves. I am very proud of Michael!”
SES-Boxing Promoter Ulf Steinforth: “That was world-class. The opponent had no chance. Michael dominated ten out of twelve rounds clearly. He has shot himself into the boxing Olympiad!”