Per Ake Persson: It´s on: Graciano “Rocky” Rocchigiani vs Dariusz “Tiger” Michalczewski III will happen at the TUI Arena in Hannover May 24. Bild Zeitung broke the story today in Germany. The 43-year old “Rocky” is fresh out of jail while “Tiger” Michalczewski has already been in a healthspa / diet clinic to shed some weight. The fight is made at 84 kg / 185 lbs. Michalczewski won their first fight back in 96 under dubious circumstances but stopped the somewhat faded Rocchigiani in 2000 in Hannover. Both fights were huge ticket sellers. There is one hurdle left writes Bild: both have to pass extensive medical checkups..
Supermiddles Robert Stieglitz, signed to SES, and Vitaly Tsypko, promoted by Sauerland Event, have been nominated by the IBF to fight an eliminator.
German supermiddle Jurgen Brahmer was ringside for Calzaghe vs Kessler but in the WBC ratings the Universum promoted fighter was replaced by stablemate Denis Inkin to fight an eliminator against Brit Carl Froch. It could be Universum are awaiting Calzaghe´s anticipated move to lightheavy before making their move with Jurgen.
Heavies Vladimir Virchis and Juan Carlos Gomez have been nominated by the WBC to fight an eliminator. The winner will be mandatory challenger for the winner between Oleg Maskaev and Samuel Peter. Should Vitali Klitschko again attempt a comeback he moves ahead in line. Virchis vs Gomez is an exciting matchup in and out of the ropes as Universum, who promote Virchis, are in a bitter rivalry with Arena, who handles Gomez. Add to the mix that Oleg Hug, who manages Virchis, is matchmaker for Arena.
New Danish promoter Robert Larsen have signed up WBA, WBC and GBU bantam champ Anita Christensen. Christensen debutes for Larsen November 24 in Gilleleje.
Comebacking Danish promoter Anders Vester will apparently have Swedish female middleweight Asa Sandell on his planned promotion in Aarhus in early February. Heavyweight Mikael Lindblad could according to Swedish paper GP also be on the bill along with Norwegian superbantam Reidar Walstad.
Argentinian jr middle Sergio “Maravilla” Martinez, who on and off have been fighting out of Spain for a number of years, have been named mandatory challenger by the WBC.