European Boxing Roundup: Jackson Chanet retires, more

01.02.07 – By Per Ake Persson: Welters Nordine Mouchi and Jackson Osei Bonsu fight for the vacant EBU 147 lb title February 25 in Elancourt on a show promoted by AMI Productions. The co-headliner features flies Christophe Rodrigues and former WBO ruler Jose A Lopez Bueno, who clash for the vacant EU crown..

Arena Box Promotion will promote the Kai Kurzawa vs Karim Bennema fight for the vacant EU 175 lb title at a date and site to be announced.

Moldovan Ivan Gontsa takes on Ukrainian Vladimir Borovski February 24 in Cheliabinsk, Russia, for the EE-EU jr middle title on a show promoted by Pushka Promotions, headed by former EBU supermiddle champ Andrei Shkalilov.

Veteran mini-fly Rafael Lozano will after all continue his career despite the loss to Brahim Asloum in December and returns against Romanian Marian Dragutescu February 17 in Cordoba.

Former EBU supermiddle champ Jackson Chanet, age 29, have according to French media reports announced his retirement. Chanet, the son of former EBU heavy titleholder Jean Chanet, fought in the Olympic games in 2000 at heavyweight but turned pro at cruiser before dropping down to lightheavy and then supermiddle. Chanet was 26-0 going into 2006 but suffered upset losses to Mger Mkrtichian and Deviya Gogiya in EBU titlefights. He goes out at 28-2.

Norwegian superbantam Reidar Walstad won every round against Frenchman Jean Marie Codet Tuesday night in Helsinki on the Asikainen vs Di Giacomo undercard and could be in line for a shot at EBU champ Bernard Dunne – at least if you are to believe Norwegian press. Team Walstad is working with former two-time EBU heavy ruler Steffen Tangstad, who also have close ties with cruiser Thomas Hansvoll. As for Asikainen reports from Finland indicates that he is ready to take on mandatory challenger Sebastian Sylvester March 3 in Rostock.