A press conference was head Monday in advance of Saturday’s huge “Universum Champions Night“ world title twinbill at the KönigPALAST in Krefeld, Germany. The event, which already has 8,000+ tickets sold, is particularly interesting due to the bold prediction made on national TV last Saturday by challenger Koji Sato (14-0, 13 KOs) who proclaimed he would score a first round knockout over reigning WBA world middleweight champion Felix Sturm (31-2-1, 13 KOs).

Sato was full of respect at the presser. “I said that, but I must have respect for the world champion and wouldn’t like to simply snub him. Felix Sturm is a great champion, I am the outsider. Sorry, I did not want to be misunderstood. It’s a big honor for me to challenge for the world title in this fight. I’ve trained hard, will give my best and want to deliver a great fight. I hope to win against this great technician and worthy world champion!“

Sturm responded, “I have studied Sato very closely and he can both punch hard and also take a lot. He’s dangerous and despite of his nice Japanese politeness, I will not underestimate him.

He no longer stands by his declaration that he will knock me out in round one, but that can also be a tactic. I’m warned by looking at DVDs of his KO victories. In any event, it will be a spectacular fight. My preparation was harder than ever before. I have once again taken another step forward. My trainer Michael Timm and Clive Salz have taken me even closer to the limit.”