11.12.06: Fight Production’s former IBF/WBO Intercontinental champion Gotthard Hinteregger, at an incredible 39 years of age, successfully continued his re-invention on Saturday in Vienna, Austria with a fourth round stoppage victory over journeyman Igor Krbusik of Slovakia to set himself up for more meaningful fights in 2007.

The Austrian superwelterweight champion expectedly controlled the action from the start against a rather non-threatning opponent. Stinging, straight right hands found their mark quickly and Krbusik’s counters were not enough to steal any round from Hinteregger. When ‘The Cougar’ finally busted up the import’s nose, Krbusik’s corner – headed by former Fight Production fighter Vlado Varhegyi – retired their man in round four. Referee was Ernst Salzgeber, who duely termined the scheduled 8-rounder. Hinteregger improved his overall record to 28-10-1 (15 KO’s) and on his latest comeback has now compiled three straight wins, two by knockout.

Hinteregger now hopes for a rematch with current IBF Intercontinental champion Marco Schulze of Germany, who stopped him in 11 entertaining rounds in October 2005. Interestingly, the Austrian’s manager Olaf Schroeder was part of Schulze’s corner as a cutman when the German regained his title just last month. This suggests an easy path for negotiations about Schulze vs Hinteregger II, but Schroeder added: “We will now look seriously at any title option for Gotti. He has surprised me too much in the past for me not to believe in him. His efforts definitely deserve another opportunity in the new year.”