European Boxing News: Klitschko, Johnson, Branco, Nuzhenko, Aydin

By Per Ake Persson

It´s not officially announced, the national Federation is not informed yet, but it looks like WBC heavy champ Vitali Klitschko defends the title December 12 in Berne, Switzerland, against Kevin Johnson.

Turkish welter Selcuk Aydin has relinquished the European title which now will be contested by Gianluca Branco and Yuri Nuzhenko. The EBU have set October 22 at noon as deadline for purse bids or contracts.

Aydin won the title in July with a very hard fought win over Belgian puncher Jackson Osei Bonsu in what also was a WBC eliminator.

Unbeaten, 20-0 middle Hassan N´Dam N´Jikam, from Cameroon but fighting out of France, will take on Colombian Oney Valdez October 24 in Cannet-Cote d´Azur, writes l`Equipe. This show was to have been headlined by Guillermo Jones´ defence of the WBA cruiser title against Valery Brudov.

Belgian cruiser Ismail Abdoul returned to action in April after 18 months in jail and this far the comeback have resulted in three straight wins. The last came this past weekend in Chelms, Poland, when he beat Remigijus Ziausys over six.

“They called me late Thursday night”, says Ismail, “I left home Friday night, made it in time and won. I would say I´m better than ever because now I fight with a clear mind and can concentrate on boxing. I´m ready to go anytime!”

Next up for Abdoul is a BeNeLux title fight at home in Gent against Dutchman Fred Dillewaard, who came back last year after 13 years out.

French super bantam Jerome Parodi defends the IBF Youth title November 6 in Toulon against an opponent to be announced. Still undefeated super middle veteran Jean Paul Mendy and French light heavy champ Nadjib Mohammed are featured on the undercard.

Middleweight Pablo Navascues headlines Tundra vs Barcelo promotion in Algete October 30. Navascues take on Brazilian Jocival Lima Texeira. On the undercard Ruben Varon square off against Rafael Chiruta, also at middleweight, and bantam Carlos Ruiz fight Lahcene Zemmouri.

It may not be what boxing needs and it´s not exactly new but the WBC have nevetheless created a new titile: the WBC Youth Intercontinental title.