European Boxing News: Rocchigiani vs. Michalczewski III Set For Hanover, Germany

It´s on: Graciano “Rocky” Rocchigiani vs Dariusz “Tiger” Michalczewski III will happen at the TUI Arena in Hannover on May 24. Bild Zeitung breaks the story today and it´s headline news. The 43-year old “Rocky” is fresh out of jail while “Tiger” has already been in a healthspa/diet clinic to shed some weight.

The fight is made at 84 kg (185 lb). Michalczewski won their first fight back in 1996 under dubious circumstances, but stopped the somewhat faded Rocchigiani in 2000 in Hannover. Both fights were huge ticketsellers. There is one hurdle left, writes Bild: both have to pass extensive medical checkups.

Super middles Robert Stieglitz, signed to SES, and Vitaly Tsypko, promoted by Sauerland Event, have been nominated by the IBF to fight an eliminator.

German super middle Jurgen Brahmer was ringside for Calzaghe vs Kessler, but in the WBC ratings, the Universum promoted fighter was replaced by stablemate Denis Inkin to fight an eliminator against Brit Carl Froch. It could be Universum are awaiting Calzaghe´s anticipated move to light heavy before making their move with Jurgen.

Heavies Vladimir Virchis and Juan Carlos Gomez have been nominated by the WBC to fight an eliminator. The winner will be mandatory challenger for the winner between Oleg Maskaev and Samuel Peter. Should Vitali Klitschko again attempt a comeback, he moves ahead in line.

Virchis vs Gomez is an exciting matchup in and out of the ropes as Universum, who promote Virchis, are in a bitter rivalry with Arena, who handles Gomez. Add to the mix that Oleg Hug, who manages Virchis, is matchmaker for Arena.

New Danish promoter Robert Larsen have signed up WBA, WBC and GBU bantam champ Anita Christensen. Christensen debuts for Larsen November 24 in Gilleleje.

Comebacking Danish promoter Anders Vester will apparently have Swedish female middleweight Asa Sandell on his planned promotion in Aarhus in early February. Heavyweight Mikael Lindblad could according to Swedish paper GP also be on the bill along with Norwegian superbantam Reidar Walstad.

Argentinian junior middle Sergio “Maravilla” Martinez, who on and off has been fighting out of Spain for a number of years, have been named mandatory challenger by the WBC.