WBO Cruiserweight Champion Marco “Captain” Huck and American challenger Adam Richards exchanged a few niceties today when they came face-to-face after the official press conference. Huck made fun of Richards´ nickname “Swamp Donkey”. He said: “He looks like a donkey and he behaves like a donkey – he is a donkey! There is no way a donkey will take the title away from me. He thinks he can just come here and beat me but he is terribly wrong. I will punish him on Saturday.”

Just like the champion, Richards was also oozing with confidence: “I am here to win the title,” he said. “We have very similar styles. We are both very aggressive and go forward, so it will be a very interesting fight. It will be a real war!” Richards would not allow himself to be provoked by Huck´s remarks: “I´m either called swamp or swamp donkey so that is no insult to me, he is just giving me props.”

Meanwhile, Huck´s coach Ulli Wegner expects a tough battle. “Marco has matured as a fighter,” he said. “But he needs to stick to our game plan. Richards is a tough guy but if Marco fights to his potential I have no doubt that he will make another successful defence.”

It will be a busy night for the German star coach, who will also be in the corner for fellow cruiserweight hopefuls Yoan Pablo Hernandez and Alexander Frenkel. The latter takes on Michael Simms, while Hernandez will defend his IBF Intercontinental Title against Cesar David Crenz. “It is a privilege to be working with three super-talented cruiserweights,” Wegner said. “They all have a golden future ahead – if they take care of business on Saturday night.”

Also in action will be top-ranked IBF challenger Alexander Povetkin, who needs a victory over Javier Mora to remain Wladimir Klitschko´s mandatory challenger. “I am in top shape,” he said. “I am tired of talking about Klitschko. If the fight happens, I will be ready for him.” Added star coach Teddy Atlas: “Alexander keeps learning very fast. He is very talented and got what it takes to be successful in boxing. I am sure he will put on a strong performance on Saturday night.”