German boxing fans are looking forward to an all-German middleweight affair after the IBF officially named Benjamin Simon mandatory challenger for IBF intercontinental champion Dominik Britsch. Simon had won the i/c title in May 2010 and successfully defended it in November 2010 before being forced out of the ring to a 10 month lay-off because of a hand injury.

"It was too bad that Benny lost the last year because we were already on our way to a world title fight", says manager and trainer Robert Rolle. "But now he’s back and we are very happy that we will finally get a big fight against a strong contender. We know that Dominik Britsch is a technically skilled boxer. But I’m sure that Benny will overwhelm him with his superior physique and pure power."

Simon’s record consists of 22 wins in 23 pro-fights including 21 stoppages which equals an outstanding knockout ratio of over 91 percent. Birtsch is unbeaten in 26 fights including 9 knockout victories.

"I am looking forward to this fight and I want to thank my whole team and, of course, the IBF for giving me this chance and making it possible", adds Benjamin Simon. "I always said that I want to fight good opponents. This is my chance to live up to my words."

Besides the intriguing matchup between boxer and puncher there is also some explosive power to the constellation behind the scenes. While Simon is co-promoted by ARENA Sports and Prime Time Event, Britsch is the most promising prospect of the Sauerland stable.

"Everybody in Germany knows that Sauerland is having problems at the moment and everybody knows that they don’t like me at all", says Prime Time promoter Eva Rolle. "We only hope that they will not relinquish the belt and pull out of this fight. This is surely a fight that German fans would love to see."

If the involved parties cannot reach an agreement regarding the bout, the IBF will call for a purse bid. „I am optimistic that we will find some sort of solution", says Simon’s co-promoter Ahmet Oner. "It’s a good fight and I see no reason why we shouldn’t do it. We are prepared to go to a purse bid if we have to but I will talk to Sauerland first and see what they’re planning. Right now boxing is struggling in Germany so we need fights like this to bring the sport back on track."