Nielsen Matched With Dolhozhyieu On Oct 15

Danish amateur star Mikkel Nielsen will meet Andrei Dolhozhyieu (10-17-2, 8 KOs) on October 15 at the Arena Nord in Frederikshavn.

Nielsen, who has won the Danish amateur championships for the last three years running, will make his professional debut with a four round super welterweight contest against the 30 year-old Belarusian.

‘’I’m really looking forward to making my pro debut,’’ said Nielsen. "Belarusians are usually tough guys. I’ll study a little video of him, but otherwise I’ll leave it up to my trainer to prepare the tactics. I’m just really looking forward to getting my gloves on and starting my pro career with a win.”

In preparation for his professional bow, the 27 year-old has been training with former two-time World Champion Joey Gamache in his Copenhagen gym.

“It’s been great working with Joey – it’s given me a new way of thinking about boxing,’’ he said. ‘’As an amateur you can sometimes hide in training, but now there’s always eyes on me. Joey is constantly breathing down my neck and notices every little movement. It’s very rewarding, and we’re working hard on developing my style and refining my skills.’’

Nielsen, a popular figure on the Danish amateur scene, has also become known for his antics outside the ring, which has earned him the nickname ‘Pjatrøv’, which translates to ‘Funny Bones’.

"It’s a name I’ve had since 2008 when I was out in town with some of my friends in Aalborg,’’ he explains. ‘’At that time I wasn’t so serious about boxing, and everything was more about beer and girls. The name is really about not taking yourself too seriously, and occasionally doing things that are maybe a little inappropriate. It can be breaking into song when in a crowd, doing a handstand when no one expects it, or whatever. I’ve always said life is only worth living if you’re having fun.”

A philosophy the Danish fighter also takes with him into the ring. "I remember one time, I slapped a ring girl on the ass,’’ he says. ‘’I knew her already, and we both found it funny, but it shows you can also have some fun while your fighting. Professional boxing is of course a serious business, and I’m deadly serious about my upcoming fight, but I hope to have some fun on October 15 in Frederikshavn too.’’

Nielsen fights on the undercard of Dennis Ceylan’s European Featherweight title fight against British Champion Ryan Walsh on what will be a huge night for Danish boxing with the country’s top talents Abdul Khattab, Rashid Kassem and Dina Thorslund also in action.

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September 22 2016