14.06.05 – By Per-Åke Persson: The EBU held their annual General Assembly this past weekend in Vienna. Universum, headed by Klaus Peter Kohl, was named Promoter of the Year. The Fight of the Year award went to Luan Krasniqi vs Timo Hoffmann and Fighter of the year was bantam champ Simone Maludrottu. The EBU also made a decision on not to rate fighters who participate in EBA titlefights; the organisation have previously made a similar stand on officials.. The WBA were represented on the congress and have made it clear on their website (wbaonline.com) that they don´t recognize the EBA, who previously was known as WBA Int´l.
During the weekend Italian heavy Paolo Vidoz, who took the fight on less than a week´s notice when Michael Sprott pulled out due to illness, won the vacant EBU title with an upset decision over big German Timo Hoffmann. Vidoz must now face Sprott inside 120 days. According to the EBU no voluntary defences will be allowed inbetween.
As for Timo Hoffmann he vows to continue his career but soaked up a bad beating and will take a long break.
Don King Productions have announced the return of Andrew Golota for their big show in Chicago August 13. Golata will face Przemyslaw Saleta in an all-Polish heavyweight showdown. WBA jr middle champ Alejandro Terra Garcia is also on the huge bill and might face Italian Luca Messi.
Spanish fly Ivan Pozo and Italian Andrea Sarritzu are co-challengers for the now vacant EBU 112 lb title with June 23 as deadline for purse bids or agreement.
Italian welter Michele Orlando will now face Frenchman Anthony Guillet July 1 in Palermo for the vacant EU title.
Heavies Alexander Dimitrenko and Andreas Sidon clash for the vacant WBO I/C title July 2 in Hamburg on the undercard to Erdei vs Sahnoune (WBO 175).
Belgian cruiser Ismail Abdoul takes on Romanian Octavian Stoica June 19 in St Amandsberg. Supermiddle Djamel Selini is in against Mircea Telecam.
Ex-champ Gianfranco Rosi, age 47 going on 48, continues his comeback June 24 in Budapest with a
defence of the IBF Mediterranean 160 lb title. Rosi was in his day (in the late 80´s – early 90´s) quite a handful known for his awkward style and conditioning. Opponent in Budapest is Frenchman Sylvain Gomis.
Danish feather Jagdar Abdulla have announced that he is out of his contract with Team Palle and his ready to resume his career with another promoter. Abdulla is 8-0-2.
Slovenian welter Jan Zaveck tunes up for a possible WBO I/C titleshot June 18 in Pula, Croatia, against Josef Sovijus.