The World Boxing Super Series super middleweight tournament quarterfinals come to a an end this Friday night in Germany as Juergen Brahmer (48-3) faces off against Rob Brant (22-0).
Brahmer is playing host, but at 39 years old and coming off a loss there are those that see chinks in the German’s armor. He has not fought since October of 2016 so the layoff has been almost thirteen months and that October fight saw him stopped in six by Nathan Cleverly while defending his WBA world title at light heavyweight. Many thought that was going to be Brahmer’s last hurrah but he had other plans, dropping down eight pounds to super middleweight to enter the WBSS.
In Brahmer, he is facing the tournament’s X-factor. The lone American, Brant comes with an unblemished record but most observers call him untested. At 27 years old, he will have youth on his side and his camp feels that his time is now. He will be fighting his first bout overseas which is a factor at this level. He is coming off a January of 2017 first round KO of Alex Hloros for the WBA’s North American title to earn his way to the tournament.
Surprisingly, Brahmer is not a favorite heading into fight week, rather the long-time former champion finds himself in a near pick ’em fight.
The other three quarter final bouts have been completed and a trio of British fighters will greet the winner of this but as semi-finalists. The winner of Brant versus Brahmer is set to meet Callum Smith while the other semi-final bout sees Chris eubank Jr facing George Groves.
Fri 10/27 – World Boxing Super Series Q4 – Kongresshalle – Schwerin, Germany
Super Middleweight 12 rounds –
Rob Brant -105 o9½ -135
Juergen Braehmer -115 u9½ +105
