European Boxing News: Sturm, Bidenko, Larsen, Levin, Erdei

ByBoxing Press

By Per Ake Persson

WBC International middleweight champ Mahir “Lion” Oral has broken his hand in sparring and cannot defend the title as planned against Italian Domenico Spada on October 19 in Berlin.

Oral has agreed to relinquish the title to give stablemate Alpaslan Aguzum, who made his debut at 160 September 21 in Luebeck, the chance to contest for the vacant belt against Spada October 19. There will altogether be 12 fights on the bill, topped by Oliver McCall vs Juan Carlos Gomez.

Universum has announced three more title fights for the Sturm vs. Griffin show on October 20 in Halle / Westfalen, Germany. WBA Intercontinental heavy champ Taras Bidenko faces Brazilian George Arias, WBO Intercontinental 140 lb titleholder Willy Blain defends against Stephane Benito in an all-French matchup and finally International German super middle ruler Lukas Wilaschek is in against South African Peter Mashamaite.

AMI Production and network Canal+ will do a French version of the Contender during 2008. The competition is open for A and B classified fighters with a French license between 71 and 75 kg (156-165 lbs). The final 16 will be selected by October.

Sauerland Event withdrew Danish super middle Mads Larsen as co-challenger for the vacant European Union title at the last moment. Larsen will now fight a non-title fight October 27 in Erfurt on the Povetkin vs Byrd bill. The EBU is now looking for someone else to fight Italian veteran Lorenzo Di Giacomo.

French light heavies Kamel Amrane and Christophe Dettinger clash for the vacant national title October 30 in Massy.

Florida-based Swedish heavy Attila Levin, 29-3 and last seen in 2005 getting stopped by Nikolai Valuev, is in training for a comeback. Levin have been sparring with regularly with Oliver McCall. Attila might return late October.

WBO light heavy champ Zsolt Erdei is rumored to be defending the title November 24. This would be on the same show where the European ruler at 175, Thomas Ulrich, face Yuri Barashian. Site is likely to be Dresden, Germany.

Comebacking German Kai Kurzawa will move up to cruiser and face Pole Wojicech Bartnik November 17 in Schwedt. Kurzawa, 22-3, was first with Sauerland Event and then a short spell with Elite Box Promotion and is now with Arena. The show in Schwedt is promoted by Wiking Box Team.