A long way from home
Brian Minto is in Germany trying to elevate his career — while short-circuiting the comeback hopes of a native hero.
Minto (26-1, 15 KO) steps into the ring at about 5 p.m. EST Saturday at Gerry Weber Stadion in Halle Germany, to face Axel Schulz (26-4, 11 KOs) in a 10-round heavyweight bout.
The Butler boxer will be making his first ring appearance since Aug. 16, when he knocked out Andy Sample in the first round at Mountaineer Race Track and Resort in Chester, W.Va.
Schulz, who once lost a controversial decision to George Foreman in a world title bout, will be fighting for the first time in seven years. His last bout was an eight-round loss by TKOto current world champion Wladimir Klitschko in 1999.
Klitschko recently knocked out previously unbeaten Calvin Brock in a title bout. Brock has been a sparring partner of Minto's.
The Minto-Schulz fight will not be shown on American television.
"I know they brought me over to lose," Minto admitted in an interview on Fightnews.com. "Obviously, they didn't bring me over to beat their native fighter so he must be pretty confident, and I do think they are taking me lightly.
"I am expecting the best Schulz that I can possibly expect,"Minto said. "I am expecting him to be the Schulz that he once was."
The fight is expected to draw 12,000 fans. Minto expects to be made to wait 10 minutes or longer in the ring while the rock band Meat Loaf sings Schulz's entrance music.
"They are going to try to intimidate me, but I get up for those kinds of challenges,"Minto said.
Minto has won his last eight fights since his only loss, a split-decision to Tony Tubbs on Dec. 30, 2004.
Schulz's marquee win was a ninth-round TKOof Kevin McBride, who was 21-1-1 at the time. Schulz also lost a split decision to former champion Michael Moorer.
"I have been the more active fighter,"Minto said. "There is no pressure on me, it is all on Schulz, and mentally, I have the edge. He may be a little unsure of himself with the time off.
"The way I see it, the only way I think I will win over there is that I am probably going to have to knock him out. They are not going to give me a close decision."
Minto, accompanied by longtime trainer Tommy Yankello, flew to Germany last Sunday to prepare for the fight.
