Earlier, Arena Box-Promotion had informed Fischer’s manager Olaf Schroeder of Fight Production that it wishes to pull out of a contract which guaranteed the Frankfurt heavyweight a high-profile fight with unbeaten fellow-German Steffen Kretzschmann, 13-0 (12 KO’s). Schroeder commented: “Arena cited a lack of funds as a reason, but I don’t really buy that. Maybe they just realized Kretzschmann is still too green to handle an experienced pro like Willi?”. Fight Production confirmed that both companies lawyers are currently working on a cancellation agreement.

On the plus side of things is obviously the fact that the former WBO ‘world’ title challenger is now free to choose his options – and they are likely to increase with a convincing performance on the huge bill in Mannheim. Fischer has prepared diligently under trainer Tom Leidenheimer and his team, sparring many rounds with ex-world champion Riddick Bowe (who starts his own comeback on the same show), and also took a trip to Berlin for some sparrings with the top heavies of Sauerland Event. “Everything, just everything, is going right at the moment,” beams Leidenheimer, “Willi is in the best shape since we started this comeback three fights ago, mentally and physically, and he impresses me a lot in training. We are as ready as we can be to show to a big audience that Willi Fischer is again to be reckoned with!”.