Mateusz Masternak (31-1, 23 KOs) will face Youri Kalenga (19-1, 13 KOs) for the interim WBA World Cruiserweight title on June 21st at the Monte Carlo Casino in Monaco. Kalenga (19-1, 13 KOs), the France-based Congolese, replaces Junior Makabu, who withdrew from the contest earlier this week.
“It doesn’t matter who is put in front of me, the outcome will be the same,” said Masternak. “This is my big opportunity and no one is going to stand in my way. I know that Kalenga is a tough opponent but I will be ready for whatever he has to offer. I have been working hard in the gym and physically I am in the best shape of my life. On June 21 I will become a world champion. Losing is not an option.”
Kalenga, who has campaigned throughout Europe and enjoys a reputation as a dangerous puncher, is just as confident, saying: “I am very happy to get this opportunity to fight for the WBA Interim world title against Mateusz Masternak. Masternak is a very solid fighter and I have been watching his career for a while. This will be an excellent fight between two big punching warriors and the Congo will have a new world champion. His name is Youri Kalenga.”
Said Masternak’s promoter Kalle Sauerland: “We are delighted that, together with Golden Gloves, we have managed to present a great fight for a world championship. After Junior Makabu made the mistake of turning down such a prestigious honour we are happy to have arrange what can arguably be seen as an even tougher challenge for Masternak in Monaco. With the other fights that Golden Gloves has planned this really will be a night to remember.”
The cruiserweight title clash will feature on Rodney Berman’s Golden Gloves’ ‘’KO at the Casino’’ tournament. British middleweight Martin Murray headlines against Max Bursak of Ukraine for the vacant WBC Silver Middleweight title.
WBA/IBO minimumweight champion Hekkie Budler will make his European debut against Pigmy Kokietgym and undefeated former IBO super-middleweight champion Tommy Oosthuizen will make his debut at light heavyweight against former African champion Doudou Ngumbu.
