Leon Harth gets a second chance at the WBA cruiserweight world title. Evgeny Tishchenko, against whom he lost on December 9, 2023, was doped.
For Leon Harth (22-5-1, 13 knockouts), who is now 36 years old, October 17 could be a decisive day in his boxing career. In Ufa, Russia, Harth will once again compete for the vacant WBA Bridgerweight world title. This relatively new weight class, which lies between cruiserweight and heavyweight, is currently only supported by the WBC and WBA. Harth, who lives in Bielefeld, already had the chance to fight for this title last December. However, he lost prematurely to Evgeny Tishchenko in Dubai. However, the fight took an unexpected turn when it became known a few months later that Tishchenko had tested positive for doping. The fight was subsequently ruled a “no contest” and the title was declared vacant, giving Harth another chance at the belt.
However, the upcoming challenge in Russia will be no easier for Harth than his first attempt in Dubai. His new opponent is the unbeaten Russian Muslim Gadzhimagomedov (4-0, 3 knockouts). Gadzhimagomedov, who took on German cruiserweight Artur Mann on the undercard of Harth’s first fight for the WBA Bruggerweight title on December 9 and stopped him in the eighth round, is an exceptionally talented boxer. The 27-year-old has achieved considerable success as an amateur. He has won two gold medals at world championships, one gold and one silver at European championships and a silver medal at the 2020 Olympic Games.
Fulfilling a childhood dream
Despite the difficult task, the German sees this second chance at the world title as the fulfillment of a childhood dream. After playing soccer until the age of 18 and only later switching to boxing, Harth is highly motivated and determined to seize the opportunity of a lifetime, according to his new trainer Maurice “Mo” Weber. Weber, who has been accompanying Harth in training since the end of August, emphasizes that Harth is focused and committed. “Leon has already worked with several coaches in his career, but with me by his side, he wants to fight the fight of his life. I am very honored by that.”
Text by Robin Josten