While Tyson Fury is getting ring experience in Pattaya, Daniel Bär is also facing a major test. In the co-main event, the German heavyweight will face the undefeated British fighter Simon Ibekwe.
While the main focus in Pattaya on Friday will be on Tyson Fury’s return against Mariusz Wach, German heavyweight Daniel Bär will also have the chance to make a name for himself on the international stage. The 31-year-old will face the previously undefeated British fighter Simon Ibekwe (6-0) in a pivotal six-round bout in the co-main event.
For Bär (15-1-1), who used to box under the name Daniel Dietz and is now coached by Rainer Gottwald, a victory could pave the way for even bigger challenges. His own camp also views the bout as a major test. “The toughest fight will definitely be Daniel versus Simon,” Gottwald explained ahead of the bout. He’s particularly impressed by his opponent’s physical attributes: “He can go full throttle for six rounds and is a powerhouse.”
At the official weigh-in, it became clear that Ibekwe is significantly taller than initially assumed. The hard-hitting Briton brings ideal credentials to the six-round bout and is considered an up-and-coming heavyweight prospect. Nevertheless, Gottwald believes his protégé is capable of pulling off an upset: “If Daniel knocks him out, he’ll be right up there at the top.” However, there will be no live broadcast of the event. Instead, selected footage will be produced exclusively for the upcoming Netflix documentary about Tyson Fury.
Text by Robin Josten