23.9.2007: It wasn’t the spectacular knockout Team Fischer had been hoping for, but happiness still prevailed after Willi ‘De Ox’ Fischer notched the second win of his comeback with a workman-like eight-round decision over Latvia’s Aleksejs Kosobokovs on Friday night (Sept. 21) in Luebeck, Germany. “Now we know Willi can do eight rounds at a good pace,” said a satisfied trainer Tom Leidenheimer after the Fight Production heavyweight collected a 80:72 (twice) and 80:73 decision, which brought Fischer’s overall record to 34-6-1 (22 KO’s).

The former WBO # 1 heavyweight chased Kosobokovs from the start and got through with his first damaging shots in round two. The Latvian, however, knew how to survive – a knowledge that proved more and more valuable the longer the fight went – and when Fischer wasn’t quick enough to open up, Kosobokovs actually made a bit of a fight out of it with unorthodox counters. But Fischer always knew the answers and his conditioning seemed excellent. Undisturbed by failed efforts to pin Kosobokovs down for longer periods, the Frankfurt favourite was even upping the temop in the last round. “I know many people don’t take me serious – but they don’t know that I’m taking boxing serious again,” Fischer commented afterwards.

The fight was part of a large card promoted by Arena Box-Promotion, who have a promotional interest in Fischer. The 35-year-old’s manager Olaf Schroeder revealed that Fischer suffered a busted eardrum, but that he will “quickly speak to Arena about Willi’s next fight. We definitely want to be in the ring again as soon as possible.” Schroeder also confirmed he spoke to Arena boss Ahmet Oener about the possibility of bringing Fischer back to his home turf of Frankfurt, where he still enjoys good fan appeal. “One more fight and Willi is ready to feature in a headliner! Why not do it in Frankfurt?”, the manager asked.