By Per-Åke Persson
Danish super middleweight Oliver “The Great Dane” Zaren (19-0-1) is in the final weeks of training for his upcoming fight against IBF champion Osleys Iglesias (15-0) on October 8 in Quebec City. He is trained by former world champion Mikkel Kessler and Thomas Macon.
Zaren is now sparring with German Simon Zachenhuber (29-2), who, like Iglesias, is a southpaw and almost as tall as the Cuban champion.
Zachenhuber lost a close decision last time out to WBO ruler Hamzah Sheeraz (24-0-1) and gave a good account of himself.
Zaren’s last fight was against Spaniard Jose Luis Navarro Jr., with the vacant EBU title at stake. The fight ended in a technical draw after three rounds as it had to be stopped due to heavy rain and a storm. A rematch was almost set, but then the opportunity to fight for a major world title came up.
