06.11.07 – By Per Ake Persson: German daily paper “Die Welt” writes that a Wladimir Klitschko vs Sultan Ibragimov IBF and WBO unification bout is in the works for February 23 in New York. The former bad boy of German boxing, Graciano Rocchigiani, has been released from jail from his latest sentence due to good behaviour. “Rocky” is now concentrating on training fighters. Every year – for a few years more – there´s reportedly a hefty check coming in from the WBC – said to be far from the court ordered sum but still not bad..
Stories on that former WBA and WBC supermiddle champ Mikkel Kessler had some kind of hand injury that prevented him from sparring in the final three weeks leading up to the fight against Joe Calzaghe are apparently true.
EBU jr light champ Leva Kirakosyan defends the title against Sergey Gulyakevich December 22 in Rome on a OPI 2000 promotion. In the co-features EBU fly king Andrea Sarritzu will defend his title. EBU cruiser ruler Giacobbe Fragomeni is also lined up for a defence.
German veteran Oktay Urkal has reluctantly announced his retirement and will now concentrate on a career as a trainer. Urkal lost only in world title fights to the likes of Kostya Tszyu, Vivian Harris and Miguel Cotto fighting at jr welter and welter. Oktay goes out at 42-4 and over 200 amateur fights in a career that was topped by a silver in the 96 Olympics.
Belgian Carmelo Ballone and Eugen Sorin Tanasie from Romania will fight for the vacant EBU bantam title December 14 in La Louviere.
Next upp for Danish cruiser Anders Hugger could be a spot on the undercard to Cantatore vs stable- and sparmate Johny Jensen December 14 in Rome.
Natascha Ragosina takes on Akondaye Fountain December 15 in Dessau when she goes for a fifth belt – WBC – to her collection that already includes WBA, WIBA, GBU and WIBF, all at supermiddle.
Croatian middle Vedran Akrap and Ukrainian Andrei Shimanski clash for the vacant EE-EU title December 21 in Zagreb.