European Boxing News: Golovkin, N’Jikam, Bahktov, Hamsho, Thomas

By Per Ake Persson

The WBA never actually said that WBA “interim” middleweight champ Gennadyi Golovkin had to fight Hassan N´Dam N´Jikam as previously reported.

The WBA instead stated that Golovkin had to fight the # 1 rated contender – a spot that in new ratings is empty with N´Dam as # 2.

Team Golovkin have now offered N´Dam a fight on the Pacquiao-Margarito bill under the same conditions they offered WBC interim ruler Sebastian Zbik. Should Golovkin vs Zbik however come true we might be looking at an historic unification fight between interim champs.

Russian heavy Dennis Bahktov is now the mandatory challenger for European heavy champ Aleksander Dimitrenko. Bahktov replace Audley Harrison who is occupied elsewhere.

Promoter and boxer Shadi Hamsho will go ahead with his inaugural show in Malmoe, Sweden, tomorrow evening but it´s a troubled event. Hamsho himself has, due to all the stress and lack of time for training, pulled out as the main event fighter.

Three or four other fights have also fallen through after contractual disputes. As it is now, talented super middle Badou Jack headlines with three female fight in support.

Danish heavy Claus Bertino is off the fight in Karlstad, Sweden, September 24, and when the promoter tried to secure the services of Attila Levin the man in the other corner, Andreas Gustavsson, pulled out.

As it is now Levin might be on the show and the promoter needs to again apply to Swedish Federation for a special permission for a fight over six three minute rounds and the Federation have to again apply to the Martial Arts Delegation for the same – if there´s enough time to do it remains to be seen. If no time or a no it´s back the max 12 minute distance.

The annual show at the Theatre Carré in Amsterdam October 18 features the best in Dutch boxing with WIBF junior feather queen Esther Schouten headlining. On the undercard heavyweight Richel Hersisia, at one time known as the Dutch Sonny Liston and WBF champ, returns after another long layoff.

French feather Cyril Thomas, 33, has announced his retirement. Thomas goes out at 36-4-4 and held the European title from 2006-07 and can look back at an excellent career.

While P3 Boxing in Finland dominates the scene, small time promotions are alive and well. Steel Ring promotes in Kokkola October 9 with junior welter Jaakko Myllyla on top and November 13 in Seinajoki where cruiser Juho Haapoja headlines. Caramelito Promotions has heavyweight Janne Katajisto headlining their show November 20 in Kankanpaa.