Festival hall shook

Axel Schulz was thrilled by the European Championship fight in Hallein

Alem Begic defended his WBO European title against David Kerkmann after ten rounds.(Bild: Ben Strässle/Dominik Dziamski)

German boxing legend Axel Schulz, who had great fights against George Foreman, Francois Botha and Wladimir Klitschko in the 90s, was just as enthusiastic as skier Max Franz and motorcycle ace Matthias Walkner. The WBO version of the European Championship fight between Alem Begic and David Kerkmann in the Festspielhalle in Hallein was thrilling. Begic won in the end after ten rounds.

Begic went into the fight with a record of 27 wins and 0 defeats. His opponent was 19-0, so it was a fight (super middleweight up to 76.2 kilograms) at eye level that thrilled everyone. All those in the know spoke of an advertisement for boxing. In the end, Begic won on points after ten rounds.

Alem Begic celebrated with his team.(Bild: Ben Strässle/Dominik Dziamski)

His coach Björn Schulz, who is Sports Director at the Stanglwirt in Going, was proud of his protégé: "He did an excellent job tactically, that was great sport."

David Kerkmann was marked after the fight.(Bild: Servus TV)

"The toughest nut we've ever fought"
Schulz also had high praise for Kerkmann: "That was the toughest nut we've fought so far. He was already on the board once in the third round. I thought that was it. But then he came back, was always dangerous despite the black eye, constantly lurking for the lucky punch. I can well imagine that there will be a rematch."

German boxing legend Axel Schulz was delighted with the fight in Hallein.(Bild: Ben Strässle/Doninik Dziamski)

If it takes place in Hallein again, skiing legends Max Franz and Philipp Schörghofer as well as motorcycle ace Matthias Walkner and para-sport legend Thomas Geierspicher will also be back in the audience. Like German boxing legend Axel Schulz, they were also enthusiastic about the fight. They all enjoyed the after-party in the Ziegelstadel.