European Boxing News: Skelton, Sam, Vidoz, Povetkin, Asikainen, Ragosina

By Per Ake Persson

British heavyweight Matt Skelton is out of the fight against Sinan Samil Sam for the vacant European title July 4 in Istanbul. Replacing Skelton is Italian veteran Paolo Vidoz.

Over the years there´s been a number of fights billed as for the Scandinavian or Nordic titles, but there´s never been any official title covering the region. That is to be changed now as the Federations in Finland, Denmark and Sweden are on their way to create a official Nordic title. First fight might be Rikard Lundby vs. Andreas Evensen on June 21 – the winner will face Dane Ervis Masha.

Introducing “Tyson Green”: a talented and experienced fighter, currently based in Nottingham, UK. Green is on a short list for possible opponents to Russian Alexander Povetkin on July 19.

Green is also a possible opponent for Ray Mercer on September 5 in Karlstad, Sweden. His real name? Sorry folks, not allowed to tell but as a hint I can say he fought in Karlstad before.

Jeremy Parodi and Fabrizio Trotta clash for the vacant European Union Super Bantam title June 27 in Toulon.

Finnish middle Amin Asikainen headlines a P3 Boxing show in Turku on August 30. Asikainen is mandatory challenger for European champ Sebastian Sylvester. Also on the bill are heavies Robert Helenius, promoted by Sauerland Event, and Jarno Rosberg.

Natascha Ragosina, holder of seven world belts at super middle, defends her titles on July 11 in Cuxhaven on an outdoor promotion put on by SES. Ragosina faces Kenyan fighter Conjestina Achieng.