By Ruslan Chikov

Things are heating up at the Universum Gym in Hamburg, as former WBC champion Sebastian Zbik (30-1, 10KOs) is entering the hot phase of his training camp. Zbik did not celebrate his 30th birthday with his colleagues, but instead celebrated with his sparring partners in the ring. Zbik is preparing for his fight with WBA middleweight king Felix Sturm (36-2-2, 15KOs) on April 13th at Lanxess Arena in Cologne.

"Of course I would like to celebrate, but right now I have to fully concentrate on my upcoming fight," said Zbik.

Zbik has started the intensive period of his training, sparring with such boxers as Rafael Bejaran and Spaniard Ruben Varon. Next week, more sparring partners are expected to arrive in Hamburg.

"Right now, the major part of the preparation is taking place. Because being in good condition is one thing, but applying that in the ring is something completely different," said Zbik.

Heavyweight Denis Boytsov (30-0, 25KOs) is also training hard at the Universum Gym. The sparring phase for Boytsov is already in full swing. On the Sturm-Zbik undercard, he faces tough and experienced Dominick Guinn (33-8-1 (22KOs).

"I have improved my footwork and I am even more agile and extremely versatile. I won't promise a knockout, but when I'm boxing - everything is possible," said Boytsov.