Former European Boxing Champ Sam Sidelined By Gall Stones

Sinan Samil Sam has to postpone his comeback again. The two-time European heavyweight champion and former world amateur champion has been kept out of the ring for more than a year now by different illnesses and injuries.

“The Bull from Bosporus ” had planned to make his comeback in early October. Now Sam had to undergo surgery because of gall stones.

“The doctors said Sinan cannot train for another six weeks”, says promoter Ahmet Öner. “It’s too bad because he desperately wanted to get back into the ring. But we cannot take any risks here. Sinan isn’t a young man anymore. He needs his time for preparation; especially because we are looking for a world class opponent for his comeback.”

Originally the reigning IBF intercontinental champion was meant to defend his title against Kali Meehan in October. There were also talks about a rematch of his European championship bout against Paolo Vidoz. In July, 2008, Sam had beaten Vidoz by split decision.

“We will see what the IBF and the EBU will decide”, states Öner. “Sinan will be back in December and he will be ready for a big fight then but there is no chance that he will be back in action before that.”