Light Heavy Action January 12 In Saint-Quentin, France

In what will be the first World Boxing Federation title fight of 2013, Frenchman Tony Averlant and Mounir Toumi of Germany will clash for the vacant International Light Heavyweight championship on January 12 at the Palais des Sports in Saint-Quentin, France.

Former European Union Champion Averlant, who brings a stellar record of 18-6-2 (4), is coming off a warm-up victory over Slovakian journeyman Lubo Hantak in November, after a close-as-can-be split decision loss to German hot-shot Eduard Gutknecht last March.

He sees the fight against Toumi as a godsend opportunity to get back on top, and perhaps eventually force his way into serious consideration as a challenger to WBF World Champion Nadjib Mohammedi, in what would be a highly interesting all-French affair.

From Cologne, Mounir Toumi had a more than tough beginning to his career, losing no less than six of his first seven bouts. He has since had much more success, winning thirteen of his next eighteen outings and picking up a minor title along the way, and travels to France with a respectable 14-11 (5) ledger.

At 28 years of age, both fighters are at or near the prime of their careers. Both have experience from fighting good opposition and winning championships, and since none of them are big punchers it could turn out to be anything from a good technical boxing match to an all-out war.

The Tony Averlant vs. Mounir Toumi WBF International Light Heavyweight title fight is the main event of a show promoted by Bleu Ciel Production headed by Pascal Cordier, in cooperation with Boxing Club de Saint-Quentin.

Also on the card will be an interesting Super Featherweight bout between undefeated local hero Guillaume Frencois (28-0) and fellow Frenchman Anthony Arimany (12-1).