WBBS Semi-Final: Callum Smith vs. Nieky Holzken - 24 February 2018

[Ruthless-RKO]

http://www.BS.com/callum-smith ... ws--125462

Things took an unexpected turn in the World Boxing Super Series super middleweight tournament, as BS.com has received confirmation that Juergen Braehmer (49-3, 35 KOs) has withdrawn from Saturday's semi-final bout with Callum Smith (23-0, 17 KOs). The withdrawal was first reported by boxen1.com in Germany.

The event, which is scheduled to takes place at the Arena Nürnberger Versicherung in Germany, will still go forward as planned.

Braehmer has been battling a bad illness for several days.

Based on what BS was advised - Comosa, which is the parent company behind the World Boxing Super Series, is likely going to announce Smith's new opponent later today.

[higgs88]

Rumours have it his fighting Nicky Holkzen 13(10)-0

[Ruthless-RKO]

The 168'ers was already the weaker tournament. I thought Braehmer had a good chance and it would have been a decent scrap. Why wait til a few days before the fight to drop out. He was battling illness, surely you would know if you're going to be okay. God knows who will replace him at short notice.

Hopefully Comosa get a good replacement.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Rumours have it his fighting Nicky Holkzen 13(10)-0

http://boxrec.com/en/boxer/640938

I see he was scheduled for the undercard against Dmitrii Chudinov. Was he was the reserve then?

[Ruthless-RKO]

http://www.BS.com/callum-smith ... sh--125464

According to multiple sources, 34-year-old Nieky Holzken (13-0, 10 KOs) of the Netherlands is the frontrunner to replace Braehmer.
Holzken was already scheduled to fight on the undercard against Dmitry Chundinov.

[keirw]

What are the chances Braehmer is fit and well again just in time to replace an injured George Groves in the final?

[TheLeprechaun]

Thats why this tournament format doesnt really work in boxing.

[punchers chance]

Braehmer has history for this type of late pullout.

[Stuarty]

Dog shíte! Is anyone buying this pish?

[Ruthless-RKO]

Thats why this tournament format doesnt really work in boxing.

Maybe they should announce dates after previous fights take place. So they can assess any injuries.

[mickey1975]

Thats why this tournament format doesnt really work in boxing.

Cruisers has ran like clockwork.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Holzken Warns Callum Smith: Be Ready, I'm Coming To Beat You!

“I've been waiting for this chance to come,” said Holzken. “I signed up as a substitute fighter so I’m in great shape and prepared for Saturday. I've watched Callum fight many times. I study everyone in my weight division. He's a good, solid fighter. We're both big body punchers. It will make for an excellent fight.”

“Callum, you better be ready, because I am, and I'm coming to beat you!”

[Ruthless-RKO]

Statement from Brahmer:

“I have been battling a feverish infection since Sunday. Unfortunately, a fight in this state is out of the question. It is not possible for me to go into the ring like this and I would like to apologise to my fans. I was well prepared and looking forward to fighting Callum.”

Statement from Kalle Sauerland:

“It is unfortunate for Braehmer particularly after such as strong showing in his quarter-final fight with Rob Brant. Fortunately, we are prepared for such eventualities and the tournament will move forward with our reserve fighter Nieky Holzken facing Callum Smith in our fourth semi-final."

[mfc_se15]

ITV surely have to make this free to air now?? They can't charge for this now surely.

[Ruthless-RKO]

ITV surely have to make this free to air now?? They can't charge for this now surely.

100%

Didn't some people have an option to pay for both this and Groves-Eubank with the customer being £6 better off? So some have likely already ordered it a while ago.

[danconnollyeire]

If he's got the flu, can't they just push it back 2 weeks? Not like Groves is fighting fit waiting for the final

[danconnollyeire]

Also, how's this Holzken chump get a shot at the final and Brant, Skoglund, Yildirm and Cox don't? Seems unfair to me

[Ruthless-RKO]

Also, how's this Holzken chump get a shot at the final and Brant, Skoglund, Yildirm and Cox don't? Seems unfair to me

It's how the reserve is made up. For any injuries, they have always had a reserve scheduled on the card. Likely because the above mentioned lost the 1/4 final match.

[Taansend]

Nicky Holeskin sounds a bit like a porn star name

[stujones]

Nicky Holeskin sounds a bit like a porn star name

[fightfan95]

What a load of sh*te.

It must be free now?

People getting refunded if they've bought the fight?

[Ruthless-RKO]

As things stand, ITV Box Office announced no changes to this Saturday's transmission and you are able to purchase the fight for £9.95

[ILikeBeer]

As things stand, ITV Box Office announced no changes to this Saturday's transmission and you are able to purchase the fight for £9.95

Greed. This wasn't a PPV level fight to begin with.

[Stuarty]

As things stand, ITV Box Office announced no changes to this Saturday's transmission and you are able to purchase the fight for £9.95

Id rather funnel sand down my japs eye than pay for this gash!

[bripez]

What are the chances Braehmer is fit and well again just in time to replace an injured George Groves in the final?

Yep, I like the way you are thinking.

I want to see Braehmer’s sick note (from a proper doctor and not a self cert !) and his blood results!