Fai Phannarai defended her world championship titles at “Boxen im Norden”. In addition to “The Diamond”, Vincent Feigenbutz and Denis Krieger also shone.
Fai Phannarai cemented her reputation as a German boxing hopeful at the anniversary edition of “Boxen im Norden” in the Große Freiheit, even if it was anything but a walk in the park. The 23-year-old successfully defended her WBF and WIBF world titles in the super bantamweight division against the tough Mexican Isis Vargas Perez unanimously on points (97:93, 96:94, 98:92). It was Phannarai’s fifth title defense – by far the toughest.
Phannarai marched into the ring for the first time to the specially composed anthem “The Heart of a Warrior” and showed in ten intense rounds that she lives by this motto. After the fight, she said self-critically: “I’m not particularly happy with my performance. Isis was very strong, it was a tough test.” Nevertheless, the success did not just mean another world championship victory. According to promoter Thomas Nissen, this success moves Phannarai up to third place in the world rankings and makes her a realistic candidate for a unification fight against Ellie Scotney (IBF/IBO/WBO world champion).
Feigenbutz celebrates ring comeback
Also in focus was Vincent Feigenbutz, who made his comeback after a two-year break – and was successful twice. After knocking out the Serbian Ognjen Solaja in Karlsruhe on Saturday, he also won unanimously on points against the tough Lukas Ferneza just six days later (78:74, 78:74, 77:75). Feigenbutz, who had started training with the police on the side, was relieved: “If the time is right, I’ll be back on October 3rd.”
Denis Krieger celebrated an emotional success in the semi-main event. The 36-year-old secured the interim WBF world title with a technical knockout in round two against Filip Gorol. “Three years ago, I thought I would never be able to box again. Now I’m world champion,” he said in tears. Nenad Stancic also made an exclamation mark: The German lightweight champion forced the previously unbeaten Jose Arcon to retire after five dominant rounds. Stancic: “All doors are now open.” The evening went less well for Alexander Pavlov. The 36-year-old had no chance against the unbeaten Dutchman Alaa al Mahmoud in the WBF title fight. He had to retire in round five.
Text by Robin Josten