Ringside Zone boss Florian Winter talks about the “Night of the Heavyweights” in Mannheim, the return of big boxing nights to the SAP Arena and the most important fights at the event – from Emanuel Odiase to Peter Kadiru.
Hello Florian, after part one in Hamburg, part two of the “Ringside Series 2026” will now follow on May 15 in the SAP Arena in Mannheim. Why did you choose this venue?
We come from the region and simply have very good relationships here. The arena is also a special place for German boxing: the Klitschkos have boxed there several times, and Felix Sturm has also been in the ring at the SAP Arena. At the same time, it is one of the most modern halls in Germany and the ideal location to stage our event as we envision it.
What can boxing fans expect in the arena this time?
This time, fans can expect far more than just a single main fight – we are deliberately talking about a boxing event. Although there is also a European title on the line in Mannheim, there is also a whole series of other top-class duels on the program. In total, the event includes eight additional strong fights – including a world championship eliminator between Karen Chukhadzhian and Paddy Donovan as well as the duel between Senad Gashi and Peter Kadiru, which also promises plenty of excitement.
The sporting highlight will be the fight for the IBF European Heavyweight title between Emanuel Odiase and Brit Nick Webb. How do you rate Emanuel’s chances – and what would winning the title mean for him?
I am convinced that Emanuel will win this fight. Nick Webb has a lot of experience, still looks fit as a fiddle and very mature – so Emanuel is clearly facing his first major challenge. Nevertheless, I believe he can beat anyone, including Webb. Winning the title would be the next important step: with the European title, Emanuel would move into the top 15 of the IBF rankings either directly or at the latest with his first title defense. That would be the decisive step-up for him.
The heavyweight duel between Peter Kadiru and Senad Gashi offers an interesting constellation. Why is he, of all people, the perfect test for Kadiru?
Senad Gashi is a very good fit for this step because he has a huge amount of experience. He has 38 fights under his belt, has already been in the ring against big names and is very composed. That’s exactly why I see him as the biggest touchstone in Peter’s career so far. What’s more, Gashi also generates reach as a name. He’s well-known, attracts attention and therefore not only provides a real benchmark in sporting terms, but also generates more interest in the media. We can clearly see this in the social media figures and interactions. What counts for us is to put on strong and attractive duels – and that’s exactly what this fight is.
Alexander Okafor is contesting his fourth professional fight and is boxing for the German championship in the Cruiser. What potential do you see in him?
Alexander has great potential. He has almost 130 amateur fights under his belt and seems to me to be made for professional boxing. What’s more, he understands the topic of social media and therefore has exactly the approach that the sport needs today to become more attractive to a younger target group. What I find particularly exciting is that he is already taking on a real challenge in his fourth professional fight. In Elija Ülküseven, he is up against an opponent who is 8-0, constantly applying pressure and is therefore very unpleasant to box. But Alex doesn’t avoid such an opponent – and that says a lot about his potential and his attitude.
Interview by Frank Schwantes