By Alexey Sukachev / Photos by Sergey Sinyakin (RPBF), April, 25, 2007

The lengthy and successful mutual partnership between the Russian professional boxing Federation (RPBF) and the Sauerland Event was marked symbolically in an impressive way yesterday, in Moscow. Crystal Glove, the huge and shiny award, specifically designed by the RPBF for those persons, who are making an enormous impact to the Sweet Science in this country, was presented to Kalle Sauerland, the co-owner of the German promotional company and well-known boxing manager as well.

Mr. Sauerland, who turned 30 on April, 14, is now making a business trip over Russia along with Chris Mayer, the commercial manager of the Sauerland Event. Both men were greeted warmly by the RPBF officials, influential Russian promoter Vladimir Hrunov and both Povetkin brothers. In a familiar and friendly ceremony Kalle Sauerland was surprised with the gift for his help of placing Russia closer to the world-known centers of boxing.

Vladimir Hrunov commented on awarding German promoter, “We are very pleased to greet Kalle and Chris here in Moscow. This present is no fluke, as Mr. Sauerland, his father and all other representatives of our German partners are making their best to turn Russian professional boxing around and to lift it up to the peaks. With their assistance Nikolay Valuev became the first ever Russian heavyweight world champion, and Alexander Povetkin is undoubtedly the second one to gain the titles under their guidance. We hope to continue our partnership for good and to develop Povetkin brothers into the steaming force in the nearest future. I want also to congratulate Kalle on his anniversary and send him our best wishes”.

Chris Mayer was optimistic in discussing the future of Russian rising stars, “Alexander Povetkin is the most promising fighter, our company has ever signed with. When Niko Valuev was contracted by Sauerland Event, we had no time to waste in bringing him title fights, as he was an aging and formed pugilist. Alex is quite a different story. He is young, extremely talented, and with the sound technique. He is a crowd-pleaser as well. While Niko has 6-7 more fights in him, Alex has 6-7 years to become a great champion”.

“As for the younger brother, we don’t know much of Vladimir yet, as he is just a rookie and too young to predict. That’s a question, if he ever makes an exclamation mark on pro boxing, but we hope he will. We are planning him to return in early June in Germany or Moscow”.