The WBSS tournament quarter-finals come to an end this weekend, with a special Friday fight. Get the details here.
This weekend, the World Boxing Super Series Super Middleweight (168 lb.) tournament wraps up their quarterfinal round. Competing for the last semi-final spot and a showdown with Callum Smith are Juergen Braehmer (48-3; 35 KO) and Rob Brant (22-0; 15 KO). Braehmer vs. Brant takes place this Friday (not Saturday), October 27 in Germany. The card has a fight time of 3:30 p.m. ET and if you’re lucky you can find it on Audience in the US or you can visit worldboxingsuperseries for possible streaming options.
How do these two stack up?
Braehmer: 39 years old | 5’11” | 71″ reach | southpaw stance
Brant: 27 years old | 5’11″ | 70″ reach | orthodox stance
What have these two done recently?
Braehmer: L – Nathan Cleverly (RTD) | W – Eduard Gutknecht (UD) | W – Konni Konrad (RTD)
Brant: W – Alexis Hloros (TKO) | W – Chris Fitzpatrick (KO) | W – Delray Raines (KO)
How did these two get here?
Germany’s Juergen Braehmer held the WBA Light Heavyweight title for three years. Though not as well known, and therefore not as criticized as fellow Light Heavyweight champion Adonis Stevenson, there were quite a few concerns about the quality of competition during that title run. Thankfully, he was relieved of his championship in December in a loss to Nathan Cleverly. He drops back down to 168 pounds for the first time in a decade here. At 39 years old, coming off a loss, and making a division change, this is a real now or never fight for Braehmer.
Rob Brant is an American fighter who is undefeated, but has only been a pro since 2012. He’s still in a very early stage in his career, winning some small level titles, but yet to face anyone of real note. He’s kind of an odd pick for the tournament, as he is nowhere near the top of the division and is taking a big step forward in international exposure with this one. He’s got heavy hands and a high KO ratio, but again, you have to question the competition he’s been earning those KOs against.
What can fans expect?
You know the expression “Save the best for last?” Well, the officials at WBSS do not. This is the weakest of the quarterfinals in either bracket – two fighters who are both a step down from the rest of the field. Winner here is almost certain to lose to Smith next time. That said, it’s actually a tough fight to pick. Braehmer is a cagey veteran who can probably B-Hop his way to a win here. But it’s also possible that time has taken its toll and Brant can land a shot to KO him and pick up a notable win on his resume. Odds have Brant as the very, very slight favorite, but it’s almost dead even. I’ll take the veteran to pull one off – especially if it goes the distance, as Brant will find it very difficult to get the nod from the judges in Germany.
Prediction: Juergen Braehmer, UD
Who should watch?
World Boxing Super Series tournament completists.