Big chance for Artur Mann: The German will fight Mateusz Masternak for the EBU cruiserweight title on October 4.
Surprising opportunity for Artur Mann: The 34-year-old cruiserweight from Hanover will fight for the vacant EBU European Championship in Zakopane (Poland) on October 4. His opponent will be the experienced local hero Mateusz Masternak (49-6, 32 knockouts). Originally, the unbeaten Frenchman Leonardo Mosquea was supposed to defend his title against Masternak. But an injury stopped the champion – and opened the door for Mann to another major title fight.
Mann (22-5, 13 knockouts) was last in the ring in April against former world champion Sergey Kovalev and lost prematurely. He was also unable to take advantage of earlier title opportunities against Kevin Lerena or Mairis Briedis. Now, in Zakopane, he may have his last big chance to win a major title. Masternak, once under contract with Sauerland, came close to winning the WBO world championship belt in 2023, but had to retire against Chris Billam-Smith due to injury. Now the 38-year-old Pole wants to recommend himself again for a world championship fight with a European title. Artur Mann goes into the “away game” as the underdog, but wants to revive his career with a win.
Text by Robin Josten