A Milestone for European Masters Boxing

Germany vs. England – Masterboxing Supercard with Three WBU World Championship Fights

A milestone for European masters boxing

Markt Erlbach (15 November)

One of the most significant masters boxing events of the year took place on Saturday evening at the Rangauhalle in Markt Erlbach. In front of a packed house, 21 bouts were contested, including three officially sanctioned WBU world championship fights – two of them inaugural title bouts and one successful title defence.

Masters boxing, long smiled at and underestimated, presented itself here on a fully professional level:
Male and female athletes from Germany, England, Italy, Austria, Bulgaria and the Netherlands, aged between 32 and over 60, delivered technically high-quality and fair contests throughout the entire evening.

The event was organized by Ralf-Peter Frohn-Lux and Ralph Heerdegen, who have been working for years to establish professional structures in masters boxing.

A special highlight of the night was the successful title defence by WBU world champion Jürgen Grabosch, who was coached in his corner by Siegfried “Sigi” Schuster, a former successful Austrian boxer.

Sporting- as well as organisation-wise, the event set new standards and stands as further proof that masters boxing has secured its rightful place within the European boxing landscape.

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1️⃣ Sabri Ulas Goecman (DEU) vs. Klemens Ruder (DEU)

39 yrs – 65 bouts – 68.0 kg
43 yrs – 101 bouts – 69.7 kg
Winner: Klemens Ruder (points decision)

The evening opened straight away with a technically demanding clash between two seasoned campaigners. Goecman worked off an active lead hand and looked to press forward from the outset, while Ruder controlled the distance intelligently and landed the cleaner shots with well-timed counters.

Over the course of the three rounds, a tactically high-level contest developed without unnecessary clinching, characterized by good footwork and precise boxing technique on both sides.

Ruder impressed with better rhythm changes, higher shot accuracy and clearer ring control, earning a fully deserved points victory in the opening bout.

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2️⃣ WBU World Championship – inaugural title bout

Thomas Koch (DEU) vs. Peter Burkhardt (DEU)

61 yrs – 27 bouts – 86 kg
56 yrs – 8 bouts – 83.9 kg
Winner: Peter Burkhardt – new WBU World Champion

In the first world title fight of the evening, two of Germany’s most experienced masters boxers faced each other. Both started focused and tactically disciplined; Koch was the one looking to come forward more frequently, while Burkhardt responded out of a compact guard with strong counters.

As the rounds went on, Burkhardt visibly increased the pressure, varying well between body shots and straight rights to the head and landing the more telling blows. Koch remained dangerous throughout, but in the decisive moments he was unable to generate enough power to turn the momentum of the bout in his favour.

After six intense rounds, the judges scored unanimously for Burkhardt, who with a tactically mature and physically impressive performance crowned himself the first WBU world champion in this newly created masters division.

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3️⃣ Hos Haydar (DEU) vs. Allen James (ENG)

41 yrs – 0 bouts – 83.6 kg
49 yrs – 3 bouts – 86.5 kg
Result: Draw

Despite a clear gap in experience, the bout turned into a surprisingly even contest. Haydar, making his debut, showed determination from the first bell, constantly pressing forward and working with strong single shots. James brought his ring craft to bear, kept calm under pressure and replied with precise counters over his back hand.

Both boxers maintained a high pace without losing tactical structure. In the final round, Haydar and James both tried to force a decision, but neither was able to pull away decisively.

The final result – a performance-based draw – accurately reflected the course of the fight: an intense, fairly contested bout between two athletes who both impressed from a sporting point of view.

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4️⃣ Women’s bout – Nina Danninger (DEU) vs. Catherine Metcliffe (ENG)

36 yrs – 1 bout – 62.4 kg
36 yrs – 4 bouts – 68.9 kg
Winner: Nina Danninger (points decision)

The first women’s bout of the evening offered a technically clean and tactically disciplined performance from both boxers. Danninger consistently worked behind her jab, used her mobility well and thereby managed to keep Metcliffe’s pressure largely under control at long range.

The English boxer tried to disrupt Danninger’s rhythm with short offensive bursts and body shots, but only found solutions in phases against Danninger’s varied counterpunching.

In the end, precision and structure proved decisive: Danninger landed the clearer shots, remained tactically stable and secured a deserved, albeit narrow, points win in a fair contest between two technically well-schooled boxers.

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5️⃣ Alexander Meringer (DEU) vs. Steven Budgen (ENG)

39 yrs – 1 bout – 79.9 kg
44 yrs – 1 bout – 79.5 kg
Winner: Alexander Meringer (points decision)

Meringer took control of the ring early and, with a solid jab and consistent forward movement, set the tone from the outset. He dictated the pace, occupied the center of the ring and repeatedly found success with combinations to head and body.

Budgen remained committed throughout, attempting to break Meringer’s rhythm with single shots and counterattacks, but was rarely able to generate sustained pressure.

Over the full distance, Meringer showed the more structured and active boxing, produced the clearly higher punch output and shot accuracy and was therefore the logical winner on points. A convincing performance by the German, who imposed his boxing style from start to finish.

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6️⃣ Erwin Hoogduinen (NED) vs. Joe Loxley (ENG)

42 yrs – 1 bout – 94.5 kg
38 yrs – 0 bouts – 89.4 kg
Winner: Erwin Hoogduinen (points decision)

Hoogduinen, boxing here for Team Germany, took control of distance and punch frequency right from the start. With an active jab, good footwork and clear forward pressure, he dictated the action and effectively prevented Loxley from making use of his reach advantage in offensive sequences.

The Englishman delivered a brave performance, remained defensively solid over all three rounds and tried to work his way into the fight with hard counters. Hoogduinen, however, allowed little room for tactical adjustments, kept the pace high and stayed on top of the exchanges.

In the end, a deserved points victory for the Dutchman, who impressed with consistent ring generalship, a clear edge in clean scoring shots and sound tactical discipline.

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7️⃣ Women’s bout – Birgit Kretzer (DEU) vs. Michelle Minadies (ENG)

49 yrs – 9 bouts – 75.2 kg
40 yrs – 24 bouts – 73.4 kg
Winner: Michelle Minadies (points decision)

The second women’s bout of the evening was noteworthy not only from a sporting, but also from a human perspective:
Birgit Kretzer stepped through the ropes despite health issues so that her opponent, who had travelled over specially from England, would not have to go home without a fight – a prime example of the spirit of respect that characterises masters boxing.

From the opening bell, Minadies set the tone, working with a high punch output and trying to put Kretzer under pressure through tempo and volume. The German defended cleverly, repeatedly looked for counters and, despite her physical handicap, showed impressive ring awareness.

Over the full distance, however, Minadies was the more active and accurate boxer and thus deservedly took the decision on points.
Kretzer was rightly awarded a special trophy for fairness and fighting spirit, acknowledging her upright attitude and exemplary sporting conduct.

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8️⃣ Peter Belogai (DEU) vs. Dave Farley (ENG)

46 yrs – 3 bouts – 87.6 kg
40 yrs – 11 bouts – 88.2 kg
Winner: Peter Belogai (points decision)

The bout between Belogai and Farley quickly developed into a physically intense contest in the light-heavyweight range. Belogai applied forward pressure early on and repeatedly sought his way into close range, while Farley tried to regain control with combinations from mid-distance.

The first round was evenly contested, but from the second onwards Belogai increasingly took over the initiative. With clearer head shots and consistent control of the center of the ring, he gained both visual and tactical advantages. Farley remained dangerous at all times, showed a solid defence and looked for open exchanges, but too rarely managed to break through his opponent’s guard decisively.

Over all three rounds, Belogai was the more active boxer, with the higher work rate and better efficiency in his punching – a deserved points win in a tough, but fair, bout between two physically strong athletes.

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9️⃣ Jörg Schumacher (DEU) vs. Didi Raditsch (AUT)

55 yrs – 3 bouts – 91.4 kg
51 yrs – 3 bouts – 91.3 kg
Winner: Jörg Schumacher (points decision)

In this German–Austrian clash, two boxers of almost identical weight and experience met. Schumacher took the initiative early, established a firm jab and tried to keep Raditsch constantly on the move. The Austrian stayed defensively solid, looked for counters and repeatedly aimed with his right hand over the top.

The fight was tactically disciplined over all three rounds, without wild exchanges but with clearly visible intensity from both men. Schumacher showed greater variety in his attacks, switching well between head and body and keeping the pace higher. Raditsch remained dangerous and technically sound, but in key moments failed to seize the offensive initiative.

In the end, the judges’ decision went in favour of Schumacher, who held the decisive advantages in activity, punch quality and ring control. It was a fair, well-conducted contest between two experienced masters boxers.

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🔟 Celik Hüseyin (DEU) vs. Ben Whitworth (ENG)

38 yrs – 1 bout – 75.8 kg
32 yrs – 3 bouts – 75.5 kg
Winner: Celik Hüseyin (points decision)

Right from the start, this bout developed into a fast, movement-intensive contest in the welter/middleweight range. Hüseyin worked at a high rate behind his jab, used his footwork effectively and constantly sought to create angles to open up Whitworth’s guard.

The Englishman tried to respond primarily with explosive single shots and counters, but only occasionally found the ideal distance to bring his back hand through cleanly. Hüseyin, by contrast, remained structured over the full three rounds, varied his combinations and landed the visibly clearer scoring blows.

In a close, tactically led encounter, Hüseyin’s activity and precision ultimately made the difference: a well-earned points victory for the German, who maintained ring control from start to finish.

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1️⃣1️⃣ Viktor Hristoskov (BUL) vs. Pete Stoten (ENG)

50 yrs – 2 bouts – 112.5 kg
50 yrs – 15 bouts – 98 kg
Winner: Pete Stoten (TKO due to cut)

In this heavyweight contest between two experienced masters, Hristoskov began aggressively, repeatedly seeking close range to bring his physical strength into play. Stoten, on the other hand, relied on movement, changes of distance and well-timed counters over his back hand.

Already in the second round, an accidental clash of heads caused a cut above Hristoskov’s eye. Despite a brief break, it quickly became clear that the wound was bleeding heavily and that a regular continuation of the fight was no longer possible.

In accordance with international competition rules and for the safety of the boxer, the ringside physician and officials correctly decided to stop the contest.
Up to that point, the bout had been tactically interesting and evenly balanced. The result was recorded as a TKO due to cut in favour of Pete Stoten.

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1️⃣2️⃣ Alexander Bartuli (DEU) vs. Joe Carpenter (ENG)

38 yrs – 1 bout – 89.4 kg
38 yrs – 3 bouts – 93 kg
Winner: Alexander Bartuli (points decision)

From the outset, Bartuli aimed to control the ring and consistently worked behind his jab to keep Carpenter at distance. The Englishman tried to build pressure with quick advances and straight rights, but only rarely found clear punching lanes.

Particularly in the second round, Bartuli showed excellent timing with his counters, repeatedly halting Carpenter’s attacks with precise shots and forcing him into lateral movement. Although the fight remained tactical for long stretches, short, intense exchanges developed again in the final round without altering the basic direction of the contest.

Over all three rounds, Bartuli proved to be the more structured and accurate boxer. The judges scored accordingly for the German, who thus secured a controlled and deserved points victory.

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1️⃣3️⃣ Maxim Legler (DEU) vs. Ross Dimmock (ENG)

43 yrs – 15 bouts – 78.9 kg
45 yrs – 7 bouts – 78 kg
Winner: Maxim Legler (points decision)

Legler and Dimmock produced one of the most emotional bouts of the night, characterised by constant forward movement, a high work rate and a palpable will to win on both sides. Legler looked to take the initiative early, controlled the centre of the ring and repeatedly landed body-to-head combinations, while Dimmock responded with impressive toughness and relentless forward pressure.

In particular, the second round turned into an intense exchange at close range, with both boxers landing clear shots and drawing loud reactions from the crowd. Dimmock repeatedly forced his opponent into brief trading situations but was slightly behind in accuracy.

Despite the sustained pressure, Legler maintained the better overview, worked with more variation and set the tactically smarter accents. The judges scored unanimously for the German, while Ross Dimmock was deservedly awarded the special trophy for the “Toughest Fighter of the Night” – a distinction that reflected his uncompromising, honest fighting style.

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1️⃣4️⃣ WBU World Championship – inaugural title bout

Rafal Kwiatkowski (DEU) vs. Loris Baldacci (ITA)

48 yrs – 12 bouts – 81.7 kg
45 yrs – 10 bouts – 76.6 kg
Winner: Loris Baldacci (points decision – new WBU World Champion)

The second world title fight of the evening developed into a tactical duel between two stylistically very different boxers. Kwiatkowski started dynamically, looked to take the initiative early and landed several clean shots in the opening round, immediately energising the crowd. However, in the second round the German was forced to take a count after a telling blow – a moment that decisively changed the rhythm of the fight.

Baldacci remained tactically disciplined throughout, used his footwork effectively and repeatedly countered with crisp straight rights. While Kwiatkowski continued to try to increase the pace and force exchanges, the Italian stuck to his plan, moved intelligently at distance and prevented any sustained pressure phases by the German.

Over six rounds, Baldacci proved the more versatile and accurate boxer, while Kwiatkowski – despite his great fighting heart – was unable to fully regain his rhythm. The judges’ decision was clear: Baldacci crowned himself the first WBU world champion in this masters weight class.

A rematch would be highly appealing from both a sporting and an atmospheric perspective – not least because Kwiatkowski, in top form, undoubtedly has the potential to turn this into a far more evenly contested world title bout.

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1️⃣5️⃣ Jens Kirwin (DEU) vs. Ryan Shilton (ENG)

40 yrs – 2 bouts – 73 kg
35 yrs – 1 bout – 74.8 kg
Winner: Jens Kirwin (points decision)

Kirwin started focused, controlled the center of the ring for long stretches and used his jab effectively to dictate the distance. Shilton tried to score with short, explosive attacks and quick forward bursts behind his right hand, but only sporadically managed to get through Kirwin’s guard.

Especially in the second round, Kirwin demonstrated his tactical understanding, varying tempo and punch height and keeping the Englishman on the back foot with precise scoring shots. Shilton remained physically present but was unable to break Kirwin’s rhythm or land decisive, telling blows.

Across all three rounds, Kirwin was the clearly more structured boxer, worked with superior shot selection and accuracy and deservedly took the decision on points. A convincing performance which showed that Kirwin continues to gain stability and maturity in his boxing.

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1️⃣6️⃣ Christian Kettner (DEU) vs. Peter Lines (ENG)

36 yrs – 2 bouts – 77 kg
41 yrs – 15 bouts – 84.7 kg
Winner: Peter Lines (points decision)

This bout was remarkable in more ways than one:
Kettner had to deal with a short-notice opponent change, and Peter Lines – originally on site only as a coach and spectator – agreed just a few hours before the event to step in without any real preparation.

Despite these circumstances, the contest developed into a technically clean and fair fight. Kettner started actively, used his speed and tried to gain control through quick jabs and angle changes. Lines, however, showed impressive composure, brought all his experience to bear and repeatedly landed clear shots with precise counters.

As the rounds went on, the Englishman increasingly took over the tactical initiative. With good distance control, a solid defence and accurately placed punches, he edged the rounds in his favour. Kettner fought with heart, stayed committed and tried right to the end to raise the pace, but was no longer able to close the gap.

The judges consequently awarded the victory to Peter Lines – a performance that, considering the circumstances, must be rated as highly professional and very impressive from a sporting standpoint. No less respect is due to Christian Kettner, who accepted a new opponent at short notice and delivered a fully competitive fight.

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1️⃣7️⃣ Valeri Quade (DEU) vs. Chris Hamilton (ENG)

54 yrs – 198 bouts – 88.2 kg
50 yrs – 50 bouts – 84.7 kg
Winner: Valeri Quade (points decision)

With almost 250 official ring appearances between them, two of Europe’s most experienced masters boxers met here – and the fight looked exactly like that: highly disciplined, tactically refined and marked by mutual respect.

Quade used his reach and experience to keep the Englishman at bay with a sharp jab and controlled lead-hand work. Hamilton repeatedly tried to close the distance with explosive drives and compact combinations, where he could bring his physical strength to bear.

In the second round, Quade further stabilized his approach, landed clear body shots and increasingly controlled the centre of the ring. Hamilton remained dangerous at all times, withstanding intense exchanges without abandoning his tactical plan, but was no longer able to match Quade’s accuracy.

After three high-quality rounds, the judges scored unanimously for Quade, whose experience and clear lines ultimately proved decisive. A technically strong masters bout fought at a high level of respect – and one of the most watchable contests of the evening.

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1️⃣8️⃣ Kevin Zimmer (DEU) vs. Carlo Pierozzi (ITA)

44 yrs – 5 bouts – 84.6 kg
44 yrs – 1 bout – 86 kg
Winner: Kevin Zimmer (points decision)

Zimmer took the initiative early, established a firm jab and used his athleticism to keep Pierozzi under constant pressure. The German showed a stable stance, varied skillfully between single shots and short combinations and effectively disrupted his opponent’s attempts to build structured attacks.

Pierozzi repeatedly sought open exchanges and tried to close the distance with surprise rushes. Zimmer, however, stayed focused, controlled the center of the ring and landed the visibly cleaner shots – especially with his straight right.

As the fight progressed, the difference in precision and punch quality became increasingly clear. Zimmer remained tactically compact, while Pierozzi increasingly fell into single, poorly prepared attacks.

The judges’ decision in favour of Zimmer was therefore logical and undisputed. A convincing performance from the German, combining physical fitness, tactical understanding and accurate punching.

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1️⃣9️⃣ Stephan Smith (ENG) vs. Adam Dyer (ENG)

52 yrs – 11 bouts – 64.4 kg
44 yrs – 14 bouts – 64.7 kg
Winner: Stephan Smith (points decision)

In this all-English encounter, two experienced technicians met whose styles were based more on tactical control than on wild exchanges. Smith worked for long stretches with a clean jab, controlled the distance and repeatedly forced Dyer into small footwork adjustments, preventing him from launching extended combinations.

Dyer tried to break the rhythm with pressure phases and changing attack angles, but only rarely found the openings he needed to land his back hand effectively. Smith remained defensively secure, varied his jab well and landed the clearer scoring shots from long range.

In the third round, his experience showed particularly clearly: while Dyer took more risks, Smith stayed calm, countered precisely and prevented any late turnaround.

The judges scored in favour of Smith without controversy. It was a tactically well-conducted bout between two seasoned campaigners, with an edge for the more structured technician.

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2️⃣0️⃣ Abdouqaisim Lak (DEU) vs. Marty Deacon Gray (ENG)

42 yrs – 5 bouts – 66.2 kg
41 yrs – 20 bouts – 66.1 kg
Winner: Marty Deacon Gray (points decision)

The penultimate fight of the evening was, from a technical perspective, one of the most demanding. Lak started actively, relied on a sharp jab and quick footwork to control the distance. Gray stayed relaxed, moved smoothly around the ring and waited patiently for counter opportunities.

As the bout progressed, the Englishman increasingly showcased his boxing maturity: precise combinations, varied angles and clever rhythm changes. Lak repeatedly tried to increase the pressure moving forward but found fewer and fewer clear punching lanes and was forced ever more into single, isolated actions.

In the third round, Gray visibly raised the tempo once again, landed several clean shots to the head and took the momentum away from his opponent for good. Despite strong fighting spirit and a high work rate from the German, Gray proved to be the more tactically complete and efficient boxer.

The judges scored correctly in favour of the Englishman, whose performance was not only technically convincing but also raised the question of how he might fare in a future masters title fight.

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2️⃣1️⃣ WBU World Championship – title defence

Jürgen Grabosch (DEU) vs. Mario Schröder (DEU)

55 yrs – 279 bouts – 84 kg
53 yrs – 120 bouts – 79 kg
Winner: Jürgen Grabosch (points decision – successful title defence)

The main event of the night brought two of Europe’s most experienced masters boxers into the ring:
With almost 400 recorded contests between them, two exceptional athletes faced off, and their experience and routine made this bout a special sporting occasion.

Grabosch, a long-standing fixture on the international masters scene, was guided in his corner by Siegfried “Sigi” Schuster, a former successful Austrian boxer and respected coach whose name carries considerable weight in German-speaking boxing circles.

Schröder, tactically astute and in excellent condition, started positively, used his movement well and repeatedly sought quick entries into exchanges. Grabosch responded with his characteristic composure, controlled the distance for long stretches and landed precise single shots that underlined his boxing class.

In the middle rounds, Schröder visibly raised the pace, landed several clean punches and forced the champion into brief phases of defence. But Grabosch remained mentally composed, landed the clearer punches at key moments and demonstrated the particular quality that often separates top masters boxers from the rest: efficiency over volume.

After six intensely contested rounds, the judges returned a unanimous decision in favour of the reigning champion, who thus retained his WBU world title in deserved fashion.

There was great mutual respect between both athletes, and many voices in the crowd called for a rematch. From a sporting perspective, a second meeting between these two would undoubtedly be justified.

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OVERALL CONCLUSION
• 21 bouts at a consistently high masters level
• 3 WBU world championship fights (2 new champions, 1 successful defence)
• Athletes from 6 nations
• Age range: 32–60+ years
• Technical quality, physical toughness and exceptional sporting spirit

This event has set new standards for masters boxing in Europe.