European Boxing News: Vester, Braehmer, Stieglitz, Nielsen, Marconi

By Per Ake Persson

The Martial Arts Delegation wasn´t unified in their decision and Pugnus Promotions didn´t get all they wanted but they got enough and can rightfully promote their show in Karlstad September 24 as an historical event ith two fights over six three minute rounds on top of the bill - the first professional boxing matches in Sweden since 1969 over more than 12 minutes.

Pugnus had applied for junior middles Allan Vester vs Cliff Soukka to be over 8x3 but MAD said no and it will now go ahead over 6x3. Also on its a heavyweight clash between Claus Bertino and Andreas Gustavsson over 6x3. Ten ounce gloves, the "knockout safe" amateur gloves are still to be worn in all weight divisions.

WBO light heavy champ Juergen Braehmer will reportedly defend the title against Librado Andrade December 18 in Montreal. Personally I doubt Universum will risk the still very good but somewhat worn champ against the teak tough Andrade. There could also be difficulties for Braehmer to cross the pond due to his legal problems.

WBO super middle king Robert Stieglitz will reportedly defend the title October 15 against Enrquie Ornelas at a site to be announced.

Trainer Poul Duvill have in Danish media adviced comebacking heavy Brian Nielsen to remain retired. According Duvill Nielsen´s bad knees cause him so much trouble that he is unable to move properly.

Nielsen acknowledges that there are problems but hopes surgery and rehab training will be the cure and feels he can be ready to fight Evander Holyfield or someone else in February or March of next year.

8M Promotions in Germany promotes a show in Bitterfeld September 11 featuring heavyweights Steffen Kretschmann and Konstantin Airich on top. Both fighters were previously with Arena. Also on the bill is hardpunching light heavy Robert "the Butcher" Woge - something as unusual as a German all out slugger.

Former European welter champ Emilio Marconi have passed away in Grosseto, Italy, at the age of 82. Marconi won the European crown in 1956 but and defended it with a draw against Peter Waterman in '57 but lost the rematch in '58.

Emilio Marconi was around in a great era for Italian and European boxing and shared the ring with many topnotchers such as Bruno Visintin, Duilio Loi, Jorgen Johansen, Waterman and Ray Famechon.