Steve's German mission

From the archive, first published Saturday 22nd Apr 2006.

POOLE southpaw Steve Bendall believes he can silence German star Sebastian Sylvester's fans and lift the European middleweight crown tonight.

Bendall arrived in Mannheim yesterday after being called up late to take on the EBU champion after original challenger Dirk Dzemski pulled out through injury.

And the 32-year-old reigning English champion is confident he can pull off a giant-killing act inside the SAP Arena.

Bendall, speaking exclusively to the Echo from Mannheim, said: "I am the most honest man in the world.

"It is in Germany, I have to go into his own back yard and it will be a capacity crowd all cheering for him because he is the new star over here.

"But I am used to partisan crowds. I can deal with it. Once we get into the ring it is only me and him."

Bendall, looking to end Sylvester's 20-fight winning run, added: "I have had it in the back of my mind that this fight would happen all along and I'm excited about it.

"I did 10 hard rounds on the pads with 30 second intervals last week and that was great. My trainer says I have nothing wrong with my fitness.

"It's not the ideal situation only having three days' notice and Sylvester's camp will be hoping I am not fully prepared.

"However, I have the edge and I'm ready. I also like it when people write me off. It brings the best out of me and I showed that against Donovan Smillie.

"Hopefully I can put up a good show and come out European champion."

Bendall, who has only lost once in 25 pro fights, continued: "I have had a word with the British Boxing Board of Control and they have confirmed there is a neutral referee and three neutral judges.

"So, hopefully, there will be no biased judging.

"I think Sylvester's camp will under-estimate me. They think I won't be prepared. But this is my big chance and I am very prepared."

Bendall goes into the ring before the IBF world heavyweight clash between American Chris Byrd and Wladimir Klitschko.

Both fights will be screened live by Setanta Sports pay per view on channel 481. Eurosport are due to screen the fights on delayed transmission at some stage.