Q&A: Christina Hammer

Photo: Eroll Popova

20-year-old double world champion Christina Hammer (9-0, 7 KOs) of Germany defends her WBO and WBF female middleweight titles against unbeaten Swedish opponent Maria Lindberg (5-0-2, 1 KO) on Friday night in Usti nad Labem, Czech Republic. Here’s what she had to say.

On May 27 is your first title defense of your WBO and WBF title. You are curently relocating from Dortmund to Magdeburg. What are your expectations from it? Who is your trainer and how was the preparation for the fight?

The preparation for the fight was completely different then the ones I had before in Dortmund. I’m working now with Dirk Dzemski in Magdeburg. It has encouraged me what Dirk has achieved in the past with Robert Steigelitz and the other fighters. We have worked a lot and very hard on a variety of things and we have also talked about the tactics fort he fight. I’m taking this challenge very serious because it is way more difficult to win a title then defend it.

Your opponent Maria Lindberg is from Sweden and normally fights in the lighter super welterweight division. What can you tell us about her?

She is just 5’5“ so I’m taller then her. I’m sure that she will try to get into the infight and keep a close range but my strengths are my height and my reach. She is not known in Germany but she has won two world titles at super welterweight in her seven pro fights

What is it for a feeling to be a double world champion at such a young age?

I’m very proud upon the things I have achieved in such a short time. I could have never believed it a few years back but I have also worked extremely hard for this success. I haven’t reached all of my goals yet and I still have to learn to stay on top

Now your first fight in the Czech Republic in the hometown of your stablemate Lukas Konecny. What do you know about Usti?

I have heard that it is a University city and it is located at the river Elbe like my new hometown Magdeburg. I’m looking forward to the fans in the sold out arena who will support me and Lukas in our fights. It will push us to be victorious

What are your plans for 2011?

After the fight I want to go on holiday and just relax. I love the sun, the summer and the beach. It’s the best way to recharge your batteries after hard training for a fight. And be ready for a new challenge. I would love to win more titles and successfully defend my belts but the plans for after May 27 aren’t confirmed yet. For now I’m only focussed on the fight against Maria Lindberg on Friday.

May 26th, 2011

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