The decline of German professional boxing can also be seen in the situation of its coaches. After the death of Michael Timm (†62) in early September, Uli Wegner (83) is now the last world-class boxing trainer.
But from January onwards, there will surprisingly be a second coach with a global reputation in Germany!
Cuban legend Ernesto Aroche (51) is recruiting players in the north and will be head coach of the “Norderstedt becomes world class” project outside Hamburg from January 1.
Initiator Henryk Bartsch (29) has ambitious plans there and wants to build a federal base in the medium term based on his association (120 members). “If we bring someone like that here, of course it’s an announcement,” Bartsch stressed. “With Ernesto, we have the most highly certified trainer in Germany, with the most international experience.”
Aroche worked for the Cuban national team for more than 20 years, molding 13 Olympic champions during that time. He currently serves as national coach in Spain, but his contract will expire at the end of December. Aroche’s training philosophy stands for precision, discipline and character building – values that are also the basis of Bartsch’s project.
“My goal is to raise the younger generation, from start to finish,” Bartsch explains. “To do this, we must also create role models that children and young people can emulate.”
Agon professional player William Scull (right) lost on points to world star Canelo Alvarez in Saudi Arabia in March
One of his role models is former IBF super middleweight world champion William Scull (33). After his points defeat against superstar Saul “Canelo” Álvarez (35/Mexico) in March in Riyadh/Saudi Arabia, the professional from the Berlin Agon stable fell out with previous trainer Franquis Aldama. Now Scull will prepare with his mentor Aroche for his next fight on January 31 against Jacob Bank (24) in Kolding/Denmark. The two last met in Madrid. In the future it will continue at Norderstedt.
“Against Canelo, Scull was too relaxed for his standards,” Aroche said. “He doesn’t take any risks. We have to use his technique, but he has to be more aggressive.”
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However, Scull was not the only prominent boxer in the north that Aroche knew. He is in the national team with former world champion Juan Carlos Gomez (52). He trained Universum heavyweight Jose Larduet (35) at the age of 16 and made him world junior champion. “Boxing is my passion and that’s why I love spreading it to others,” Aroche said.
Just like Bartsch. To date, the German Amateur Association (DBV) has five federal bases – in Schwerin, Berlin, Frankfurt/Oder, Hanover, Cologne and Heidelberg. First discussion with the new DBV President Dr. Farid Vatanparast (46) has been handled by Bartsch. Politicians in Schleswig-Holstein also pledged support.
In contrast to the established base, Bartsch wants to finance his projects without money from the federal or state governments: “Everything has to be self-financed and self-sustaining. According to the business plan, we want to break even by the middle of 2026. And with the current circumstances, I will reach this goal sooner.”
