Geoffrey Batello Steps Up to Take on Marco Huck

Posted by Ramon Aranda on 01.12.2009

Huck's previous opponent gets injured, Batello welcomes the challenge.


Huck ready for a new opponent

After Vadim Safonov recently came down with an injury, prior to his January 24th fight against Marco Huck, the unbeaten Geoffrey Batello (18-0, 15 KOs) has stepped in on short notice to take his place. Huck will be making the second defense of his European cruiserweight belt against Batello in Riesa.

"Batello is an excellent challenger for Captain Huck," Sauerland Event general manager Chris Meyer aid. "The fight against him will be more difficult than the one against Safonov. We know Batello very well. He has been in full practice and is in top shape. And his fight record speaks for itself."

Batello has been sparring with other cruiserweights at the Max Schmeling Gym in Berlin and has proved to be a tough sparring partner. "He is very dangerous," head coach Ulli Wegner said. "He is very athletic, very dynamic and very offensive-minded. Marco really needs to be on alert."

Captain Huck (23-1, 18 KOs) is excited about his first fight in 2009 and is looking forward to a stiff challenge.

"If you want to reach the top, you have to defeat the best fighters," he stated. "Weak opponents do not help your development at all. The European cruiserweight title will be at stake in Riesa and that certainly means a lot. I have been practicing for six weeks now. I know Batello from sparring. He is good, but I am better."