Neo trainer & EM dream

Comeback: 200 kilos return to the ring

Mobin Kahraze (left) and Seun Salami (right) are back on Bounce Fight Night.

(Bild: Boxclub Bounce)

Around 200 kilograms split between two boxers: Austria's heavyweight hope Seun Salami (114 kg) and Mobin Kahraze (83 kg) return to the ring on Saturday at Bounce Fight Night. In a double interview, they spoke to the "Krone" about their comeback, their new trainer and their title dream.

"It was pretty quiet without the two-meter-tall black man," says Austria's heavyweight hopeful Seun Salami, looking forward to the upcoming Bounce Fight Night. Like his club colleague Mobin Kahraze, he will be back in a boxing ring for the first time since September. Injuries and contractual problems put paid to their appearances in December.

Caption: Salami (below) and Kahraze (above) are close friends in their private lives.

(Bild: Boxclub Bounce)

New best friends
"I got fat over time," laughs Salami: "Between September and December I was just lazy, didn't do anything, took it easy and let my body rest. I started training again at the beginning of the year, and for about three weeks now I've been back in intensive preparation and down to 114 kilograms. I'm happy to be fighting and getting back in the ring, to have a goal to train for and something to prepare for - I enjoy that.

Kahraze also enjoyed the time off: "I was down to 95 kilograms three months ago. Now I'm down to 83, fortunately I'm in top shape again and only have to lose three kilos (light heavyweight, note)." The trio of sauna, sweat suit and diet are known to become his best friends during this time.

Out of rhythm
But their Bosnian opponents will be even more out of rhythm: both heavyweight Marko Colic and light heavyweight Borislav Gligoric had their last fight six (!) years ago. "I don't like watching stuff from my opponent. It just stresses me out. I'm prepared for everything, I'll do my job, look confident and set the mood. Because I'm always in the gym as a boxer and trainer and prepare people, I'm always there mentally," says Salami.

Kahraze is different: "My opponent is small, an infighter and a tough boxer. I have to adapt because I want the infight myself. Now I have to keep my distance and make sure I don't get too close to him. But I'm very happy to be back."

Until the two "bouncers" try to build on their perfect fight statistics (both have seven wins from seven fights), they will be sparring three times a week. And with a new trainer: Roman Shkarupa. The Ukrainian has taken over training since Daniel Nader was diagnosed with MSA (multisystem atrophy). Salami likes it: "I get on very well with him because he's not only a good coach, but also a good person. I like the way he teaches us." The difference? Daniel tortured us day after day in training, but with him we also have "relaxed" training sessions where we focus more on technique." After four years with just Nader, the change was difficult for Kahraze, but: "He's a cool coach and brings updates.

The dream of a European title
One that will help him take the next step in his career: "My wish is to fight for a title at the end of the year, maybe the European Championships. I'm 30 years old now, I only have a short time left and I have to step on the gas." Salami also had a wish for the Easter bunny: "If Oleksandr Usyk beats Tyson Fury and then fights Anthony Joshua, I hope I'll be invited back to the world champion's camp."