Granit Shala and Daniel Dietz, two exciting German heavyweights, will meet on December 14. BOXSPORT looks at the “story” behind this fight and tells you what is at stake for the two rivals.
Ten days before Christmas Eve, German heavyweight boxing has a real highlight to offer: Granit Shala (16-1, 6 knockouts) and Daniel “Triple-D” Dietz (13-0, 12 knockouts) will meet in the “Karlsruhe Christmas Circus” on December 14. Shala is promoted by AGON Sports, Dietz boxes under the wing of Rainer Gottwald.
Shala vs. Dietz a “must-do”
Shala vs. Dietz, wasn’t there something? The German duel was supposed to take place in April 2024. “Dietz vs Shala – in Germany in April 2024 is a must-do for us,” explained AGON boss Ingo Volckmann at the time. However, the two promoters did not come to an agreement financially, and then Shala was given the unexpected opportunity of a European championship fight. However, the fight against the unbeaten Ukrainian Oleksandr Zakhozhyi came too soon for the Munich-born fighter.
Shala had no chance and was knocked out in the second round. It was a setback for the 28-year-old, who had only been in the ring once since the Zakhozhyi fight and defeated Argentinian journeyman Emilio Ezequiel Zarate by technical knockout in the third round. It was striking that Shala entered the ropes weighing over 125 kilograms. This made him a full eleven kilos heavier than in his European Championship duel. It will be interesting to see what physical condition the once successful amateur and multiple German champion will be in against Dietz.
Late bloomer “Triple-D”
In contrast to Shala, Daniel Dietz is still unbeaten. His record: 13 fights, 13 wins, twelve by knockout. The only time “Triple-D” had to go the distance was in December 2023 in a duel with heavyweight rival Felix Langberg. The 2.04-meter giant from Neuwied, who had already sparred as a Fury double with Oleksandr Usyk, proved his qualities. Dietz clearly outboxed Langberg in ten rounds and made a statement in the German heavyweight scene. “This fight was also about who the best German heavyweight boxer is behind Agit Kabayel,” enthused promoter Rainer Gottwald. “If you give Daniel the time, he can make it to the top.”
Dietz has had a rather unconventional career. The 29-year-old took up martial arts late in life. He entered Konstantin Schulz’s martial arts academy in Halsenbach for the first time on his 16th birthday. The knockout specialist initially started with kickboxing and even became world champion in K1. However, because he saw little prospect in this sport, the “Dampfhammer” switched to boxing in 2021. “Daniel can take a lot from his time in kickboxing, which is an advantage,” emphasizes Gottwald.
Shala vs Dietz live on DAZN
Dietz will now fight for the IBO Intercontinental and IBF International titles against Granit Shala on December 14. The fight will even be broadcast live on DAZN and should answer the question of who can continue to dream of big fights. The winner will climb up the rankings, while the loser will have to take a back seat. So there is a lot at stake for Granit Shala and Daniel Dietz.
TEXT: Fabrice Nühlen