05.12.05 – LOS ANGELES, CA – Heavyweight contender Ed Mahone has agreed to fight Henry Akinwande for the IBF Inter-Continental Heavyweight Title in Leipzing, Germany at the Arena Leipzig near Berlin. The Sauerland Event promoted fight will take place Saturday December 10th. The bout between Mahone and Akinwande will go off before the Main Event of the IBF Middleweight Title fight featuring Kingsley Ikeke versus Arthur Abraham.
“I thank Sauerland Events and the IBF for giving me the opportunity to fight for the IBF Inter-Continental Heavyweight Title versus Henry. I have a lot of respect for my opponent and know this will be a serious challenge” said Mahone. “Not only due to the short notice, flying to Germany and the time change, but mostly because I’m going up against an impressive fighter who knows how to win fights,” he continued. “But I look forward to putting on a great match for the people of Europe in the stands and all of those watching at home.”
St. Louis native Ed Mahone, the former NABO Heavyweight Champion had a stellar career as he rose to 21-0-2 with all of his victories ending in knockout. Mahone had defended his NABO Heavyweight Championship six times before fighting Vitali Klitschko for the WBO Heavyweight Title. He lost that fight and had time off from boxing, but now Ed “The Hammer” Mahone is back in business. He recently defeated Heavyweight Contender China Smith with a stunning 10th rd knockout for his 23rd win, all by knockout. His record now stands at 23-4-2
Said Doug Fernandez of the Sarasota Herald Tribune, “Seemingly on his way to victory, Sarasota’s China ‘The Dragon’ Smith suffered a severe blow to his rise through the heavyweight boxing ranks. Ed Mahone, a 33-year-old from Los Angeles who hadn’t fought in 43 months, stunned Smith in the 10th round of their fight, bringing about a standing 8-count that led to Smith’s first defeat since 2002. Mahone peppered Smith with rights and lefts, causing China to touch the canvas with his knee. The Referee gave Smith a standing 8-count, then after determining he was in no condition to continue stopped the bout.”
“It is of course a risk to take a fight of this magnitude against such a solid opponent on short notice” said Mahone’s Manager, Jason Rem. “But when an opportunity such as this presents itself you have to step up to the challenge and that is what Ed intends to do.” Rem continued. “That is why fighters looking for opportunities have to stay ready. We look forward to a victory and to bringing the IBF Inter-Continental title back to the American Continent.” Mahone is currently being ranked again by the major boxing councils, federations and organizations.