Already, the number of parties in the Bundestag has risen from three to five, with the entry of the Greens in 1983 and, following unification in 1990, of the populist Left Party, heirs to East Germany's communists.

ECONOMIST: Jitters over the decline of the Volksparteien

Former WBO champion Maccarinelli was hoping to continue his rehabilitation following his unification defeat to David Haye at the O2 Arena 12 months ago, where the Swansea showman lost his WBO crown.

BBC: Warren's warning to Maccarinelli