FIGHT ANNOUNCED Emanuel Odiase to face Mike Perez in Rust, Germany, on Nov. 27

Emanuel Odiase has been called a future heavyweight contender in Germany. On Nov. 27 he meets a man who has already fought at the top level, in the main event of a Ringside Zone show at Europa-Park in Rust.

Odiase is 27 and, according to Boxing News, 12-0 with 10 knockouts. He is backed by Anthony Joshua's 258 Mgmt. Two of his last three wins came against established gatekeepers: a shutout over eight rounds against Kostiantyn Dovbyshchenko, and a second-round stoppage of Nick Webb in May.

Mike Perez is 41 and from Cuba. He usually fights at 200 pounds, the cruiserweight limit, though he has campaigned as a heavyweight before. Boxing News lists a 10-round draw with Carlos Takam in 2014, followed by defeats to Bryant Jennings on points and to Alexander Povetkin by stoppage. His only other loss was a unanimous decision against Mairis Briedis in a world cruiserweight title fight in 2017, and Boxing News says he has not lost since.

That experience is the core of Perez's pitch. "I'm coming to Rust to remind everyone what experience means in this sport," he said. He argues that Odiase has not been in the deep water against world champions, which he has. The weight and age gap will be worth watching, as Perez may give up size to a younger, unbeaten opponent.

The card has other notable names. Unbeaten European heavyweight champion Labinot Xhoxhaj returns against Italy's Eduardo Giustini. Former world title challenger Karen Chukhadzhian is also back, after a points loss to Paddy Donovan in May.

Boxing News will show the card from start to finish on its YouTube channel. The main event is still to come, and it is Odiase's step up in opposition from the fighters he has beaten so far.