After making waves in professional boxing for several years, promoter Kalle Sauerland looks set to fire things into another stratosphere in 2025. The Head of Wasserman Boxing is currently spinning several plates in his ongoing quest to shake up the established order in the sport.
His immediate focus is on a blockbuster card in Brighton on March 7, which will be headlined by the welterweight clash between Harlem Eubank and Tyrone McKenna.
Kalle Sauerland Targets Big 2025 for Wasserman Boxing
Kalle Sauerland Targets Higher Levels
Reputable betting sites in the UK rate Eubank as the overwhelming favourite to retain his unbeaten record, but McKenna could cause him problems. Former boxer Jamie Conlan, who manages McKenna, believes the Irishman has the ability to upset the odds in what will probably be a brutal war. Sauerland was equally bullish about the fight at the launch press conference and confirmed it could be a stepping stone to big things for one of the fighters.
“There has been a massive storm in Brighton this week and it is only going to grow between now and March,” Sauerland said.“We have a blockbuster of a card, headlined by a real throwback fight. Tyrone McKenna really brings it and is rarely in a bad fight but Harlem is planning on making a big statement.
“This fight is now for the vacant IBF Intercontinental title, so the winner will get a top ten ranking in the world.”McKenna whipped up expectations for the fight, saying he enjoys ‘standing toe-to-toe, trading and breaking the other man’s heart’ when he enters the ring, However, Eubank dismissed the idea that the Irish fighter would stop his march to the top of the world and claimed he has picked the wrong opponent to go to war with.
“I’m here to put an end to the mistruths that he has planted in his head,” Eubank said. “It’s going to be beautiful and it’s what I have been waiting for.“I’ve been waiting for someone to bring a war and bring it to me head on. And if Tyrone is that man then the fans are in for a treat on March 7, and Tyrone is in for a painful night.”
March 7 Undercard Featuring Michael Conlan
The undercard at Brighton Centre features several other eye-catching fights including Michael Conlan’s return to action after more than a year out the sport.
The Belfast featherweight recently signed a long-term deal with Wasserman as he strives to earn a third shot at a world title.He came up short in previous attempts against Leigh Wood (2022) and Luis Alberto Lopez (2023), but Sauerland thinks he can guide him to the holy grail.
“Michael Conlan is a true icon of Irish boxing, and we are honoured he has decided to join us at Wasserman Boxing,” he said.
“Michael has already enjoyed a quite sensational career and is a hero to the people in his homeland, but he isn’t done yet.“He wants to cement his legacy by capturing the world title, and his determination to achieve that is infectious. Nisse (Sauerland) and I cannot wait to set out on this journey with Michael because itpromises to be extra-special.”
Conlan will make his comeback against India’s Asad Asif Khan and will be desperate to make a statement before tackling tougher opponents further down the line. April could also be a big month for the Wasserman operation, with light-middleweight Josh Kelly being lined up for a fight in a higher weight class. Kelly was scheduled to face former world champion Liam Smith last September, but the Liverpool-born fighter withdrew from the fight due to illness.
‘Pretty Boy’ defeated short-notice replacement Ishmael Davis, although he had to survive a late onslaught to secure the 16th victory of his professional career. Kelly is ranked third by the WBO and fourth by the IBF at super-welterweight, which gives himseveral options as he strives to move closer to a world title.
Kalle Sauerland Reveals Plans
However, Sauerland is hoping to secure a meeting with European middleweight champion Denzel Bentley. This could be a stepping stone to a clash with world champion Janibek Alimkhanuly. Sauerland believes Kelly’s best option is to box at middleweight and has set his sights on persuading Bentley to defend the European title against his fighter: “He’s going to be out most likely in April,” Sauerland told Boxing News. “It’s a big year ahead for him. He’s highly ranked at 154 pounds (lbs) but, at the same time, 160 lbs is a comfortable weight for him.
“We’ll have one eye on what’s happening with Chris Eubank Jr versus Conor Benn on April 26, andwe’ll also have one eye on the domestic names at 154 lbs.“I’d love to make the Denzel Bentley fight – he’s number one with the WBO.”
