By Daily Sports on February 21, 2018

Undefeated Dutch super middleweight Nieky Holzken has replaced Juergen Braehmer as Callum Smith’s Ali Trophy opponent after the German veteran was forced to withdraw from Saturday’s World Boxing Super Series (WBSS) semi-final showdown in Nuremberg.

According to a report by www.boxen1.com Jürgen Brähmer pulled out of the fight against Callum Smith due to cold.

Braehmer has been suffering from influenza and Monday revealed he would be unable to compete against Smith at the Arena Nürnberger Versicherung.

“I have been battling a feverish infection since Sunday,” said Braehmer. “Unfortunately, a fight in this state is out of the question. It is not possible for me to go into the ring like this and I would like to apologise to my fans. I was well prepared and looking forward to fighting Callum.”

The World Boxing Super Series’ format meant Holzken was already on standby as a reserve, and as the tournament’s Chief Boxing Officer Kalle Sauerland explains he will now have the opportunity to earn a place opposite WBA & IBO World Champion George Groves in the final.

“It is unfortunate for Braehmer particularly after such as strong showing in his quarter-final fight with Rob Brant,” said Kalle Sauerland. “Fortunately, we are prepared for such eventualities and the tournament will move forward with our reserve fighter Nieky Holzken facing Callum Smith in our fourth semi-final.”

•Photo shows Nieky Holzken.

Source Daily Sports

Posted February 21, 2018

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