Fress prevails in thrilling ten-round duel – Seitz down but fighting – Reis triumphs in co-main event.
Roman Fress (23-1, 13 knockouts) impressively secured the WBO Inter-Continental cruiserweight title at the SES Boxing Gala on the lakeside stage in Magdeburg’s Elbauenpark. In a thrilling ten-round duel, the German contender prevailed unanimously on points against Michael Seitz (13-2, 11 knockouts). The judges scored the fight 96-93 and twice 97-92 in favor of Fress.
Fress sent his opponent Seitz to the floor with a powerful strike in the opening rounds. But Seitz showed heart and got back up to continue the fight. Despite his fighting spirit, however, he had to acknowledge the superiority of Fress, who landed the clearer strikes over the distance and brought his victory home with aplomb.
The 29-year-old Fress, who is currently ranked sixth in the WBO rankings, could make another leap up the rankings with this victory. Mexican Gilberto Ramirez currently holds the WBO world championship gold, but Fress has positioned himself as a serious contender for a world championship fight with this convincing victory. Fress is also already well placed in the other federations – ranked seventh in the IBF, twelfth in the WBA and thirteenth in the WBC.
In the co-main event of the evening, Artur Reis (15-1, 9 knockouts) secured the vacant IBF European super middleweight title. In a blood-soaked duel, the German beat Croatian Mate Rudan (8-1, 7 knockouts) by unanimous decision on points. The judges scored the fight twice 98-92 and once 98-93 in favor of Reis.
With these victories, both Fress and Reis have positioned themselves as serious title contenders in their weight classes. The focus is now on the next big fights and the possibility of securing a world championship fight soon.