Boxing: Auel Hernandez is on Ali's trail! | Sports

End of November Boxing professional Erdinger Ouel Hernandez (31 years old) defended his WBA gold title at super middleweight (76.2 kilograms) for the first time in Panama. vs. Alexi Rivera (36/Colombia). Now the Bavarian Cuban is taking the next step.

Hernandez signed a two-year contract with Top Rank in the USA. The promotion was founded in Las Vegas in 1973. Greats like Muhammad Ali (†74), Joe Frazier (79) and George Foreman (74) have boxed at No. 1.

“I'm absolutely happy. This gives me extra motivation,” says Hernandez (fight record: 17 wins, 1 loss). “This is a big deal for me. A great burden will be lifted from me.”

In the past, in addition to training, Hernandez also had to take care of organizing and marketing his fights. Because no German boxing team was interested, he outlined the deal at the WBA convention in Orlando in December. “Me,” Hernandez sighs in Bavarian. “Fighting on the big stage in the USA has always been my dream.”

The next fight is scheduled for April, perhaps even for a “real” World Cup. However, the weight category is lower and middle weight (72.6 kg). Since powerful WBA champion David Morell (25 years old/Cuba) was also promoted by Top-Rank, Hernandez was advised to change. Because the elderly Erislandy Lara (40/Cuba) holds the title there. Hernandez: “I can lose about four kilograms without any problems. As an amateur, I used to box with a weight of 69 kilograms.

He wants to move to the United States in the future to prepare. Even if it meant being temporarily separated from his family and his young daughter. Hernandez: “It happens to other professional athletes, too.”