Mannheim, Germany, Tuesday April 14th 2026 – Ringside Zone today announces ‘Night Of The Heavyweights’, a stacked boxing event set to take place at the SAP Arena in Mannheim on Friday, May 15th 2026. The future of German boxing is on display with a series of heavyweight sensations taking over the arena where heavyweight icon Wladimir Klitschko brought so many big nights to Germany. Now a new generation looks to bring the heavyweight crown back to Germany.
Promoter Florian Winter said: “This is a historic night for German boxing at the SAP Arena. We are delivering a true Night Of The Heavyweights, showcasing the best of our emerging talent against tough international opposition and celebrating the excitement and passion of the sport on a big stage.”
In the main event, seasoned Ukrainian contender Karen Chukhadzhian (26-3, 14 KOs) faces Irish prospect Paddy Donovan (14-2, 11 KOs) in a high-stakes 12-round IBF Welterweight World Title Final Eliminator. Chukhadzhian, a durable and experienced operator who has shared the ring with top-level opposition, looks to position himself for a world title shot, while hard-hitting Donovan aims to bounce back and make a statement on the international stage.
Karen Chukhadzhian said: “This final eliminator is my chance to prove I belong at the very top. I’ve faced the best and I’m ready to outwork and outlast Paddy Donovan to earn my shot at the world title.”
Paddy Donovan said:“I’m coming to Mannheim to win big and move closer to a world title. Karen is tough and experienced, but I have the power and hunger to take the victory and make my mark.”
In the co-main event, hotly tipped undefeated German heavyweight prospect Emanuel Odiase (10-0, 8 KOs) challenges experienced British veteran Nick Webb (19-3, 15 KOs) for the WBO European Heavyweight Title over 10 rounds. Webb has beaten many undefeated prospects in the past and represents the biggest step up in opposition for Odiase to date. The towering Odiase brings explosive power and youthful ambition, while the battle-tested Webb looks to use his ring craft and knockout threat to claim European gold.
Emanuel Odiase said: “This is my opportunity to take the next big step in my career. I respect Nick Webb’s experience, but I’m bringing the power and energy to win the WBO European Title in front of my home fans.”
In a mouthwatering all-German heavyweight clash, Peter Kadiru (22-1, 13 KOs) meets the hard-hitting Senad Gashi (34-4, 32 KOs) in an 8-round bout. Gashi, who has previously shared the ring with former world title challenger Dereck Chisora, represents a massive step up in class for Kadiru in this exciting domestic showdown.
Undefeated 6 foot 9 southpaw heavyweight sensation Viktor Jurk (13-0, 11 KOs) returns in an 8-round heavyweight bout. A former top sparring partner for Oleksandr Usyk, Jurk is now fully focused on his own journey to become world champion in his own right. Whilst rising star Nellie Tiafack (3-0, 3 KOs) steps up in a 6-round heavyweight contest.
In only his fourth professional fight, unbeaten German cruiserweight Aleksander Okafor (3-0, 2 KOs) faces fellow undefeated opponent Elija Ulkuseven (8-0, 6 KOs) in a 10-round German Cruiserweight Title fight. This represents a massive step up in class for Okafor, who recently teamed up with the renowned McCracken’s gym in the UK as his trainers. Okafor wants to put the cruiserweight division on notice and mix it with the very best – a victory here would be a real statement.
Further down the card, unbeaten lightweight Devrin Gokduman (13-0, 8 KOs) contests a 10-round IBF European Lightweight Title bout, Olowule Jan Coisek (4-0, 2 KOs) features in a 6-round middleweight contest, and Edmon Avagyan makes his professional debut in a 4-round cruiserweight bout.
Night Of The Heavyweights is promoted by Ringside Zone and will take place at the SAP Arena in Mannheim on Friday, May 15th 2026. The event is brought to you by an elite line-up of sponsors including Harder & Partner, Aston Martin, Capri-Sun, Snocks, Innovative Digital Systems, SAP SE, Phönix Pharma SE, Kellergroup, and Rogon.