Photo: Universum
WBA super lightweight champion Andreas Kotelnik (32-2-1, 13 KOs) is set to defend his world title tonight against British hope Amir Khan (20-1, 15 KOs) in front of a huge crowd at the M.E.N. Arena in Manchester, England. “I am very well prepared and ready to go twelve rounds,” said Kotelnik this week. “For me this fight is an important step in the boxing world, especially in my weight class, to further position myself for other big fights — I’d like to fight in America. I won’t make a prediction on the outcome against the young Amir Khan. He’s a quick guy, but I have the means to hit him and to take the belt home with me again. The experience speaks for me. In addition, my faith makes me strong. God will accompany and protect me in this fight.“
Photos: J. Fedorinova
-
- Photo: Universum Box-Promotion
-
- Photo: Universum
Click the photo to go to the next photo
Throughout the week in Bolton and Manchester, England, the Ukrainian community has come out in support of Kotelnik. Earlier this week, he appeared at an autograph session in Bolton where he was made to feel at home with Ukrainian songs, blessings from the local priest and many good wishes. Some of the boxing fans on hand were compatriots who also come from Kotelnik’s hometown of Lviv.
Tonight at the M.E.N. Arena, Kotelnik is expecting the loud support of hundreds of English Ukrainians and Russians who reside in and around Manchester.
