The main event of the evening will showcase the undefeated and rising IBF European heavyweight champion, Emanuel Odiase, as he takes on the stiffest challenge of his professional career thus far. Odiase is set to defend his prestigious title against former world-title challenger Mike Perez in a scheduled 10-round championship contest that highlights the generational shift currently happening in the heavyweight division. Adding even more championship flavor to the night, the 12-round co-main event will feature EBU European heavyweight champion Labinot Xhoxhaj putting his belt on the line against Italian national champion Eduardo Giustini.
This stacked card serves as the explosive opening act for a major weekend of elite boxing in Germany. Just one night after Symphony of the Ring concludes, fellow heavyweight star Agit Kabayel is scheduled to step into the ring to defend his coveted WBC heavyweight championship in Düsseldorf, creating a double-header of high-level boxing that has fans and analysts across Europe talking.
Promoter Florian Winter expressed immense enthusiasm regarding the upcoming event and the broader trajectory of the sport within the region. Pointing to the success of past events, Winter emphasized that German boxing has firmly reestablished itself on the international map.
“German boxing is back, and Ringside Zone is leading it,” promoter Florian Winter said while discussing the upcoming card. “Mannheim proved them wrong, and Symphony of the Ring goes even bigger: two European heavyweight title fights, a former world-title challenger in Mike Perez and the next generation of German heavyweights on one card.”
Odiase Faces Most Experienced Test
For Emanuel Odiase, the November 27 showdown represents a monumental step up in competition. The 27-year-old German powerhouse enters his very first title defense boasting a flawless 12-0 professional record, which includes 10 dominant victories coming by way of knockout. Odiase captured the vacant IBF European heavyweight championship earlier this year in May, delivering a spectacular second-round stoppage win against Nick Webb during Ringside Zone’s high-profile Night of the Heavyweights event.
Demonstrating his desire to stay active and continue developing his skills, Odiase returned to the ring in Latvia this past October. There, he secured another emphatic second-round knockout victory, this time overpowering Luis Jose Marin Garcia. Now, the hard-hitting prospect is making a notably quick turnaround to face a seasoned veteran who has operated at the absolute highest levels of the sport.
Reflecting on his journey and the upcoming challenge, Odiase acknowledged the significance of fighting a seasoned opponent like Perez.
“Winning the European title in front of my home fans in Mannheim was a dream, but it was only the first step,” Odiase said. “Mike Perez has fought for a world title and shared the ring with Povetkin, and that’s exactly the kind of test I need.”
Perez enters the ring carrying a wealth of experience and a formidable 32-3-1 professional record, featuring 22 knockouts. The Cuban veteran has proven his versatility throughout his career by competing at both heavyweight and cruiserweight. In 2017, Perez challenged Mairis Briedis for the WBC cruiserweight championship, showcasing his ability to compete against elite world-class operators. Furthermore, his resume includes high-profile bouts against a veritable who’s who of the division, having shared the ring with notable fighters such as Alexander Povetkin, Bryant Jennings, Carlos Takam, and Magomed Abdusalamov.
Following a period of rebuilding, Perez successfully returned to the win column in May with a hard-fought points victory at the Co-op Live arena in Manchester. Recognizing the hype surrounding the undefeated champion, Perez believes that his extensive experience in deep waters will ultimately prove to be the decisive factor in Rust.
“Odiase is young, he’s unbeaten, and everyone in Germany is telling him he’s the future,” Perez said. “I’ve been in with world champions, and I’ve been in the deep water, and he hasn’t.”
Xhoxhaj Defends EBU Championship
In the co-main event, Labinot Xhoxhaj will put his prestigious EBU European heavyweight championship and his unblemished 22-0-1 record on the line against Italy’s Eduardo Giustini. The Kosovo-born German fighter has maintained a firm grip on the EBU crown since November 2024. His most recent title defense showcased his explosive power in February, when he secured a definitive fourth-round knockout victory over Pezhman Seifkhani. The European Boxing Union continues to formally recognize Xhoxhaj as its premier heavyweight titleholder, and with 17 knockout victories to his name, he remains laser-focused on securing a shot at a world-level opportunity.
“I’ve been European champion for two years, and nobody has found a way to beat me,” Xhoxhaj said regarding his reign. “Giustini is a proud champion, and he’ll come to fight, but this is my title and my division.”
Challenging Xhoxhaj is Eduardo Giustini, who will travel to Germany from Florence as a three-time national heavyweight champion. Giustini brings a relentless fighting spirit and a burning ambition to derail Xhoxhaj’s undefeated streak, intending to capture the EBU belt and take it back home to Italy.
Chukhadzhian Meets Undefeated Argañaraz
The undercard features elite talent across multiple weight classes, adding even more depth to an already star-studded lineup. Former two-time IBF welterweight title challenger Karen Chukhadzhian will make his return to the squared circle in a compelling 10-round bout against undefeated Argentine contender Luis Argañaraz.
Chukhadzhian enters the matchup with a 26-4 record, featuring 14 knockouts. The Ukrainian contender most recently went the distance in a grueling 12-round battle against Paddy Donovan during an IBF final eliminator at the SAP Arena in May. Now, he faces a hungry opponent in Argañaraz, who brings a pristine 16-0 record into what is unquestionably the most demanding assignment of his professional career.
“I’m not interested in easy fights, and Argañaraz is unbeaten,” Chukhadzhian said. “This is how I get back to the top: by taking his zero.”
The undercard action also highlights Slawa Spomer, who looks to build momentum following an impressive victory in September that saw him improve his record to 22-1 and capture an intercontinental title by forcing previously unbeaten Faisal Abubakari to retire after six rounds.
Additionally, the event will showcase the second professional appearance of heavyweight prospect Ismet Ademi, who successfully won his debut by knockout. Undefeated light heavyweight Altin Zogaj and talented featherweight Meryem Binbir are also officially scheduled to compete on the card. Rounding out the undercard matchups, Elvin Sope is set to face Venezuelan veteran Jose Rivas, while Granit Sope prepares to make his professional heavyweight debut.
For fans unable to attend the event live at the Europa-Park Arena, Symphony of the Ring will be broadcast live in Germany through ARD, while Boxing News will provide international coverage for boxing enthusiasts around the globe.
Announced Fight Card:
Emanuel Odiase vs. Mike Perez
Labinot Xhoxhaj vs. Eduardo Giustini
Karen Chukhadzhian vs. Luis Argañaraz
Slawa Spomer vs. TBA
Ismet Ademi vs. TBA
Altin Zogaj vs. TBA
Elvin Sope vs. Jose Rivas
Meryem Binbir vs. TBA
Granit Sope vs. TBA
