Moroccan Beach Resort To Host Bois vs. Demchenko

The World Boxing Federation continues to enter new territory, and will sanction its first championship fight in Morocco, when Patrick Bois and Serhiy Demchenko fight for the vacant International Light Heavyweight title on Saturday February 23 at the Mazagan Beach Resort in the Atlantic coast city of El Jadida.

22-year-old Bois, from Sedan in France, brings a record of 8-1-1 (2), and is coming off his careers best victory, a unanimous decision over former WBF title-challenger Jindrich Velecky in January. However, he will be in for an even tougher task in Demchenko in what will be his first title bout.

Serhiy Demchenko, 14-4 (10), was born in Ukraine but fought most of his professional bouts in Italy where he resides. In 2008 he travelled to Serbia to win the IBF Intercontinental title, and has experience from fighting established names such as Mouhamed Ali Ndiaye and Karo Murat, and undefeated German rising star Robert Woge.

Promoted by Group Khellafi headed by Mr. Driss Khellafi, on a show dubbed “Les Gants d’Or Afrique” (The Golden Gloves Of Africa), the Bois vs. Demchenko fight will be a big event in Morocco, and WBF President Howard Goldberg is delighted that his organization will be part of it, saying:

“It is with great pride that we sanction our first title fight in Morocco, and we are very proud to be associated with probably the most famous Moroccan holiday resort, the Mazagan Beach Resort. We congratulate the promoters of this event on putting everything together, and hopefully many more WBF title fights in Morocco will follow.”

The winner on February 23 must defend his title against former champion Mounir Toumi, who vacated the championship on this condition after having to pull out of fighting Bois.