Boxing News Boxing News
Stephan Foster Jr is hoping big fight opponent Ermano Fegatilli isn’t as clever in the ring as he is outside of the ropes.
The Belgian is arguably the cleverest boxer in the world, having attained a Masters in Economics with the highest honours at Liege University in 2007.
Fegatilli, 26, challenges for Foster Jr’s European super-featherweight title in the Premier Suite at Bolton’s Reebok Stadium on Saturday February 26.
The boxing boffin now works as a consultant in health management at the University Hospital of Liege.
Fegatilli who speaks five languages – his native tongue French, Dutch, English, Italian and Spanish said: “Boxing is a wonderful sport which combines so many values such as discipline and spirit.
“It takes more than intelligence to pass the exams I had to pass. It takes discipline and spirit, the exact same values as boxing.
“I am also a highly competitive person that likes to compete on all levels, not only on the part of intelligence. I want to test my body and spirit all the time.”
Fegatilli has boxed professionally since April 2005, winning 22 of his 26 fights. He is currently on an eight fight winning streak and is the official challenger for Foster Jr’s crown.
The chief supporting bout sees Manchester’s Anthony Crolla defend his English super-featherweight title against Leeds puncher Carl Johanneson – in a bout where the winner is guaranteed a crack at British champion Gary Sykes.
Unbeaten St Helens boxer Craig Lyon will also risk his English super-bantamweight title if a selected opponent can be found.
Also fighting on the bill is Mancunian Olympic Joe Murray. He faces tough Frenchman Daniel Kodjo Sassou who recently took Scott Quigg 12 rounds.
Others hopefuls on the undercard include Belarusian star Sergey Rabchenko,Keiron Maher, Richard Towers and Sheffield’s big ticket seller Adam Etches.
Tickets for ‘Night of Champions’ £35, £55 (Ringside) and £75 VIP Ringside are available from www.brandhatton.com /0844 847 2500/0161 775 7500
