Boxing In Europe: Zaveck, Bouzaine In IBF Title Fights

Good weekend on the Continent, highlighted by several big fights including two world title bouts.

IBF welterweight champ Jan Zaveck made his first defense a good one, outboxing challenger Rodolfo Ezequiel Martinez before stopping the Argentine in the 12th and final round at Tivoli Sports Hall on Friday in Ljubljana, Slovenia.

Martinez, 36-4-1 (13), had come into the clash as the WBC Mundo Hispano titlist but had never faced anyone even close to world class level and was not surprisingly overmatched.

Local hero Zaveck, 29-1 (17), could have to defend next against Rafael Jackiewicz, who previously defeated Zaveck by split decision for the European title in 2008.

Also in Friday, former European bantam king Malik Bouziane, 13-1-1 (1), dropped down to super flyweight to challenge for the IBF title at 115 pounds at Centre Omnisport in his hometown of Massy, France.

Reigning champion Simpiwe “Golden Master” Nongqayi, 16-1 (1), of South Africa had impressively defeated Mexican legend Jorge Arce in September for the IBF crown but found the bigger Bouziane a difficult opponent.

In a good battle between former amateur stars, Bouziane frustrated Nongqayi all night with his stick and move style but the South African managed to gain control of the bout for stretches.

The late rounds belonged to the Frenchman but it wasn’t enough as Nongqayi managed to keep the IBF title by majority draw after 12 frames.

On Saturday at Rapid Sporting Hall in Bucharest, Romania, light welter contender Ionut “Jo Jo” Dan Ion, 26-0 (14), defended his WBC Continental Americas belt with a 10th round KO of Brazilian veteran Andre Marcos Nascimento, 15-5 (11).

28 year old southpaw Ion, born in Romania but based in Montreal, Canada, is likely nearing a world title shot.