European Boxing News: Universum, Arslan, Bute, Battaglia, Tiozzo, Huck

By Per Ake Persson

Universum has given all employees notice that their employment could be over come July 31. This does not affect the boxers under contract or the trainers – all of whom are employed on a freelance basis.

The main reason for Universum´s problems is that long term TV partner ZDF needs to cut down on its costs and as a result boxing goes out.

Universum have reportedly had lengthy negotiations with other networks but no deal have been announced. As it is now the company will continue to operate after July 31 as well but on a lesser scale and mainly with managing fighters.

Baltic Pro Box have – again – postponed it´s planned big show in Kampala and have now moved it from May 22 until June 26. Heavyweights Al Cole vs Joey Abell headline.

Firat Arslan, inactive since losing to Guillermo Jones in September 2008, go for the WBA interim title against Frenchman Steve Herelius July 3 in Stuttgart. Arslan co-headlines the show along with female star Ina Menzer.

IBF super middle champ Lucian Bute will defend the title July 24 in Romania. No opponent has been announced yet although it´s claimed that WBO ruler Robert Stieglitz has turned down an offer to take on Bute.

37-year old Salvatore Battaglia, former Italian champ and a two-time challenger for the European junior welter title, has been charged with homicide in Siracusa, Italy.

Battaglia is charged with a murder the authorities claims is associated with organized crime. Battaglia, 23-5, fought Oktay Urkal and Junior Witter for the European title in a pro career that lasted from 1996 through 20 06.

Former WBA and WBC lightheavy and WBA cruiser champ Fabrice Tiozzo now says his comeback is on for October in Ouagadougou in Burkina Faso. The 41-year old has been out since July of 2006.

WBO cruiser champ Marco Huck outclassed the brave Brian Minto last weeknd in Oldenburg for a tenth (not out) round stoppage. It was bascially one way traffic – if it hadn´t been for the long breaks between his attacks that Huck appeared to need.

It also seemed as if Minto´s steady body attack had an effect on the champion. On the other hand Minto was easy to hit suffering three knockdowns and his corner talked about retiring their man a few rounds before they did.

On the undercard Swedish cruiser prospect Erik Skoglund turned pro and won clearly but looked a bit too green for comfort and one has to wonder if the 18-year old shouldn´t have stayed as an amateur for another year.