Local Essen Heavyweight and highly regarded Patrick Korte 18-1 with 15 Knock Outs (Germany) squared off against the dangerous international visitor in Jorge Alejandro Arias 11-3-1 of Argentina in the Main Event of a stacked card at the Eissporthalle Essen, Germany. Over 1,500 were in attendance to witness this much anticipated championship fight between two heavy handed heavyweights.
Arias started the fight fast and precise with an obvious fight plan to box from range. His fight plan along with his evident ring IQ, looked to be the difference landing at will and seemingly in total control of the fight in the early rounds.
The mid to later rounds saw the well supported local Korte lift to the crowd’s appreciation and was far busier than his Argentinian opponent and was taking control back from Arias, landing the heavier and cleaner shots and outpointing his foe in a rugged battle that appeared too close to call going the scheduled distance.
In a seesawing and brutal affair, it was obvious to all in attendance that it was a close encounter. They didn’t have to wait long after the final bell rang for the decision…. Now to the judge’s score cards….
Result - Kornelius Bernds (95-95) Izzet Kurnaz (97-93) for Arias and Mouldi Salmouk (97-95) for Korte... Split Draw and thus the WBF Intercontinental Heavyweight title remains vacant with a rematch already being spoken about.
In the Semi Main Event, Shkelqim Ademaj 7-2 a Kosovo National from Germany squared off against Nigerian born Awadh Tamim 14-5 of Sweden.
Whilst Ademaj was a game and willing challenger, Awadh was far too strong, outclassing Ademaj and eventually stopping him in the ninth round.
Result – Awadh Tamim crowned WBF European Heavyweight Champion by way of Knock Out 9 of 10
Photo credit: Art of Sense photography
WBF European Supervisor for both Championship bouts - Mr Toby Mihalik of Germany