NABF Heavyweight Champion Johnathon Banks, 25-1-1 with 17 KOs, is getting ready to leave for Germany this Saturday to take on the popular Luan Krasniqi.  Banks, rated #6 in the WBC and #13 in the IBF, will fight Krasniqi on February 26 in Ludwigsburg, Germany.

The fight will take place in the Arena Ludwigsburg and will be televised live on RTL in Germany, the television partner of the Klitschko brothers. Former two times European Champion Krasniqi, 30-4-1 with 14 KOs, is very popular in Germany and accepted the fight with Banks in order to move into the position to fight for the heavyweight world title.

Johnathon Banks:

“I am looking forward to going back to my second home in Germany to fight Krasniqi. He is a tricky veteran, but I will show that I am in the prime of my career and will be too fast for him. I have trained in Europe many times with both Wladimir and Vitali Klitschko and have fought in Germany 7 times.

For this fight, I started my training at the Kronk Gym in Detroit and now I am in the final preparation in Hollywood Florida at the Heavyweight Factory. My trainers “Sugar” Hill and Emanuel Steward have been overseeing my preparation and strategy to win this fight.

By the time I leave for Germany this Saturday, I will have sparred over 100 rounds. I will be well prepared for this important fight and will show Krasniqi that I am in a class above him.”

Tom Loeffler, K2 Promotions:

“We have had a great response to this fight and the Arena Ludwigsburg is almost sold out.

This is our first non-Klitschko fight with our German TV partner RTL and it has created a lot of interest. It is an even matchup between Krasniqi, the crafty veteran, and Banks, the NABF Champion who wants to prove that he is on the top of his game.

The winner of this fight will move a step closer to their dream of fighting for the heavyweight world championship.”

IBF, WBO, IBO, and “The Ring” Heavyweight Champion Wladimir Klitschko will be in attendance at the fight to support the event and to see who will come away victorious.

In Germany, the fight will be broadcasted live and exclusively on RTL. Tickets via and the hotline +49- (0)1805-12 13 14. Prices start at 19 Euro.