Hamburg, Germany – German boxing takes centre stage as Heidelberg-based promoter Ringside Zone brings an extraordinary gala night to Hamburg’s historic Fish Auction Hall on Friday 20 March 2026. The entire fight night will be broadcast live on BILD’s digital platform, BILDplus, bringing the action to viewers across Germany and beyond.
For the first time, this legendary venue on the banks of the River Elbe – better known for its seafood heritage – will host flying fists in the ring, combining elite world-class action with premium hospitality in an exclusive setting. More than 500 fans, alongside entrepreneurs, sporting personalities and public figures, will experience ringside drama at this premiere event in the Ringside Series 2026.
Florian Winter, Managing Director of Ringside Zone, said: “Defending the world title in Hamburg is both a sporting and emotional highlight. This exclusive gala night captures exactly what Ringside Zone stands for – elite boxing, exceptional production and an international-calibre experience. We’re proud to showcase Germany’s new generation in such an iconic venue.”
Headlining the card is Germany’s own IBF Featherweight World Champion Nina Meinke(20-3, 4 KOs) – “The Brave” – defending her title in the very city where she claimed it in 2024. The southpaw from Berlin, known for her technical mastery, resilience and sharp counter-punching, faces a tough challenge from Dominican Republic’s Dyana Vargas (20-2-1,13 KOs), “La Maquina,” a powerful and aggressive fighter with a reputation for explosive finishes. This rematch of Hamburg’s magic spot promises high drama in one of the most significant women’s title fights in German boxing history.
IBF World Champion Nina Meinke said: “Defending my title in the city where I won it, means everything to me. This event blends top-level boxing with a unique atmosphere – it’s exactly what our sport deserves.”
Hamburg’s hometown hero Peter Kadiru (21-1, 13 KOs.) – the towering heavyweight with devastating power and a strong recent winning streak – looks to push towards an international title shot in 2026. The local favourite faces Uruguay’s Mauricio Barragan(20-5, 12 KOs), known as “El Demoledor”, a rugged veteran with heavy hands and knockout threat, in an eight-round heavyweight showdown that could set the tone for Kadiru’s rise.
Peter Kadiru said: “Boxing in my home city in front of this exclusive crowd is truly special. Together with Ringside Zone, we’re creating formats that can return German boxing to the major stage.”
The card is further strengthened by two of Germany’s brightest heavyweight prospects:Emanuel Odiase (9-0, 8 KOs), the towering 6’8″ sensation backed by Anthony Joshua, known for his blistering power, rapid rise and devastating stoppages since turning pro. Odiase aims to continue his unbeaten streak and build momentum towards bigger opportunities. Joining him is Viktor Jurk (12-0, 10 KOs), the undefeated southpaw from Flensburg standing at an imposing 6’8½”, a former amateur standout and one of the most promising heavyweight hopes in German boxing, hungry to make a statement in this premium setting.
Adding serious firepower to the undercard is explosive light-heavyweight prospect Alex Okafor (2-0 pro, rising fast), the young talent with size, power and ambition, who faces Germany’s Ibrahim Yildirim (12-7), a battle-tested campaigner from Düren known for his toughness and willingness to trade. Okafor aims to make another big statement less than a year into his pro career and strengthen his push towards a German title opportunity.
With this Hamburg Gala Night, Ringside Zone builds on the success of its debut event and cements its ambition to lead premium boxing and entertainment in the DACH region. Ringside Zone’s vision is to rethink boxing – making it more emotional, more premium and closer to the people.
German boxing fans and an international audience can look forward to an unforgettable evening of sport, style and elite performance in one of Hamburg’s most iconic venues.
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