European Boxing News: Golovkin, Bonsu, Kessler, Nguyen, Kotai

By Per Ake Persson

The WBA has, through Gilberto Mendoza, distanced itself somewhat from the delicate situation at middleweight. According to Mendoza, all parties involved had verbally accepted that Gennadyi Golovkin would face Milton Nunez for the interim title and Hassan N´Dam would fight Avantandil Khurtzide for the vacant regular title.

As it is now a fight between Golovkin and WBC interim king Sebastian Zbik is getting nearer with N´Dam fighting Khurtside October 30 in Paris. Mendoza states that there was no ruling to begin with and that Team Golovkin rushed for their title opportunity – but now wants a fight against N´Dam.

A ruling in the matter is expected in the near future. In regards of Golovkin vs Zbik the fight is apparently close to be made – a deal that reportedly also will include an out of court settlement between Universum and Golovkin

Belgian welter Jackson Osei Bonsu returns to action November 11 in Deurne. The former European champ was close to a world title shot twice but lost crucial crossroads fights. Last time out noted puncher Randall Bailey caught Osei Bonsu with his first punch and won on a stoppage after only 1.32 of the first round.

WBC “champion emeritius” at super middle, Mikkel Kessler, is about to move back to Denmark after a few years in Monaco. Kessler haa over the years resided in Malmoe, Sweden, Flensburg, Germany and now in Monaco but home seems always to have been Copenhagen.

Kessler, currently sidelined with an eye injury, is also hinting in Danish media he´s close to the end of his career. Mikkel has a history of serious back and hand injuries.

European Union lightweight champ Hoang Sang Nguyen defends the title October 16 at Palma de Mallorca against Mihaita Mutu in a battle between seasoned journeymen. Rimer Boxe promotes the event.

Hungarian veteran Mihaly Kotai, 36-4-1, a former WBF and IBO champ at junior middle in 2004-06, retired in 2006 but returned in 2009 in a semi successful comeback. Kotai marks time with a six-rounder in Szentes October 2.

The German Oak, Big Timo Hoffmann, headlines SES´ promotion at the Erdgas Arena in Riesa October 23 and shoots for the vacant WBO European title. Opponent is to be announced. Female middleweight Christina Hammer co-headlines and goes for the vacant WBO title.

American heavy John Poore is out as opponent for Swede Andreas Gustavsson September 24 in Karlstad. Gustavsson was first on to fight Claus Bertino and the promoters got a special permission from the Martial Arts Delegation to do it over six three minute rounds.

However, the permission is not in general but tied to a specific fight between specific fighers. In effect it means the whole procedure has to be done again to get a new permission and yes, time is running out.

Portugese middleweight Vitor Sa tunes up at home in Espinho September 25 and if all goes well he challenge Russian Guennadyi Martirosyan for the WBO middleweight title October 29 in St Petersburg.