Berlin, Germany (June 29, 2024) - Marco Huck 43-5 (28 KOs) made a successful return to the ring, securing a unanimous decision victory over Greek journeyman Evgenios Lazaridis 19-6 (13 KOs) at the Estrel Convention Center in Berlin. Fighting in front of an enthusiastic hometown crowd, Huck showed glimpses of his former self after a near four-year hiatus from professional boxing.

Huck’s Career and Hiatus

Marco Huck, a former cruiserweight champion, was known for his explosive power and relentless fighting style. Before his hiatus, Huck had been campaigning as a heavyweight, but his activity dwindled with only one fight each year from 2018 to 2020. The reasons for Huck’s absence from the ring were multifaceted, involving both personal and professional issues, including injuries and promotional disputes. This long break left fans wondering if the veteran still had the fire and skill to compete at a high level.

The Fight: Huck vs. Lazaridis

The fight against Lazaridis was a strategic move to reintroduce Huck to the heavyweight division. Lazaridis, ranked in the 200's, was expected to provide a solid yet manageable challenge for the returning Huck. From the opening bell, Huck showcased his experience and tactical prowess. He applied consistent pressure with his jab and feints, successfully landing occasional shots that kept Lazaridis at bay.

Lazaridis sometimes attempted to change the momentum with his awkward attacks, often coming forward and leaning on Huck when in close quarters. Despite these efforts, Huck’s elusiveness and defensive skills allowed him to evade significant damage and control the pace of the fight. The match progressed with Huck steadily accumulating points, leading to a clear unanimous decision victory after ten rounds.

Huck’s Performance and Future Prospects

While Huck’s performance was commendable, it was clear that he was still shaking off the ring rust accumulated over the past four years. His timing and precision were not at their peak, but his strategic approach and experience were evident throughout the bout. The hometown crowd’s support undoubtedly provided an additional boost, as they cheered for their returning hero and jeered at Lazaridis.

Looking ahead, the key question is where Huck goes from here. To establish himself in the heavyweight rankings, Huck will need to stay active and progressively face higher-caliber opponents. Securing a ranking with one of the major sanctioning bodies will be crucial for Huck if he aims to enter the lucrative realm of boxing’s premier division.