Ryno Liebenberg will have a tough fight on his hands when he challenges German Enrico Kölling for the World Boxing Association’s intercontinental light-heavyweight crown in Germany on Saturday night.
This will be Liebenberg’s biggest fight since he lost to Swede Erik Skoglund for the vacant International Boxing Organisation’s light-heavyweight title in Sweden in April.
The 32-year-old boxer from Krugersdorp will be out to make a mark as he fights before a hostile crowd.
Facing a title holder in his home country is usually a tough task as the odds are stacked against challengers. But Liebenberg’s camp is ready for the big brawl.
“Ryno won’t be given any support as he will fighting before a hostile crowd. We have done our homework and will return home with the world title,” said Liebenberg’s trainer, Colin Nathan.
Liebenberg, who is one of the classiest light-heavyweights in the country, goes into the bout with a record of 17 victories and three defeats from 20 fights.
Kölling comes to the ring with 21 wins and a single loss from 22 bouts.
He beat Ukrainian Oleksandr Cherviak via a unanimous points decision to win the belt at the MBS Arena in Potsdam, Germany, in April.