Malek Semmo will be boxing on the big stage for the first time at AGON’s second “Cuban Boxing Night”. In Varadero, the 21-year-old wants to show that he can also hold his own internationally.
When the second major AGON Gala takes place on November 29 at the Meliá Internacional Varadero, middleweight Malek Semmo will also be back in the ring. The 21-year-old German will be contesting his third professional fight in Cuba and is looking forward to the opportunity to present himself in front of an international audience for the first time. “To be honest, it means a lot to me,” says Semmo ahead of the second historic edition of the AGON professional boxing event in the Caribbean country. “Cuba is like the home of boxing, where everything is done with real passion. To be at an event like this in Varadero is something special. I want to show that I can keep up and at the same time simply enjoy what I’ve trained so hard for.”
The Westphalian, who made his professional debut for AGON Sports last year, is regarded as one of the most exciting young talents in the middleweight division. His preparation is going perfectly: “I feel fit, focused and ready to give it my all,” says Semmo. His trainer Salih Yildirim, who has also coached Felix Sturm for several years, is impressed by his protégé’s development: “Malek has improved enormously in the strength department and has matured considerably since turning pro. He has a special feel, can read a fight and react at lightning speed – that’s a gift that few people have.”
Offensive and powerful
The collaboration between the two is intensive. “We are currently in the competition phase, with lots of individual training and sparring. Nine sessions a week in total. So far, our preparation is going very well,” explains Yildirim. For the experienced coach, the assignment in Cuba is more than just another fight: “It’s definitely important to be involved in international events like this, especially in a boxing nation like Cuba. Malek can show here that there are just as strong boxers in Europe.”
Malek Semmo describes his style as offensive and powerful: “I like to go forward, with a good eye and a lot of pressure. The fans in Varadero see a fight with full intensity.” The young middleweight has his goals clearly in mind: “For 2026, I want to gain more experience, establish myself as a professional and continue to grow. Of course I’m also thinking about my first title fights, but at the moment my focus is on development.”
Yildirim is optimistic about the future: “Malek is a diamond in the rough. Together with AGON Sports, we want to bring him to the top step by step. In two to three years, I see him very high up – the goal is clear: to become world champion.” The young middleweight will be part of an international card led by Erislandy Álvarez, Lázaro Álvarez & Moussa Gholam. More information on the “Cuban Boxing Night” in Varadero on November 29th will follow.
Text: Press release / AGON Sports