Jack Massey (proper) lands a proper hand on Isaac Chamberlain en path to unanimous choice win on June 15 in London. (Picture credit score: Lawrence Lustig, BOXXER)
The European Boxing Union (EBU) have been round for over 100 years, albeit in several guises.
The distinguished European title was shaped in Paris, France in 1911 and it was referred to as the Worldwide Boxing Union (IBU) title. It was referred to as that till 1942.
The group had points throughout World Battle II and the Associazione Pugilistica Professionistica Europea (APPE) changed the IBU from 1942-44. It was primarily based in Rome, Italy. APPE closed its doorways in 1944.
It’s then, after a two yr hiatus, that the EBU as we all know it right now, got here into being and stays primarily based in Rome. They’re celebrating its seventy fifth anniversary this yr.
As we speak, 41 international locations are members of the EBU. Though there are 17 weight lessons (18 for those who embody the WBC and, extra lately, WBA adopting the bridgerweight division) solely 14 divisions are acknowledged by the EBU. The three divisions omitted are junior bantamweight, junior flyweight and strawweight.
Over time many European champions have gone on to turn into world champions, together with the likes of Lennox Lewis, Tyson Fury, the Klitschko brothers, David Haye, Nino Benvenuti and Naseem Hamed.
Right here’s an replace on the present champions and their plans:
Heavyweight
Oleksandr Zakhozhyi (19-0, 15 knockouts) gained the vacant title in opposition to Granit Shala (KO 2) in April. He’ll make a voluntary protection in opposition to an as but to be determined challenger in Heidelberg, Germany, on November 23.
Cruiserweight
Jack Massey vacated the title to face Ring/IBF champion Jai Opetaia on October 12.
Former titleholder Michal Cieslak (26-2, 20 KOs) and Leonardo Mosquea (15-0, 9 KOs) are earmarked to fill the emptiness. There can be a handbag bid on September 23, if the 2 sides fail come to an settlement within the meantime.
Kevin Lele Sadjo (proper) stepped in as a late substitute to face Jack Cullen in December 2021 and ended up successful the European tremendous middleweight title by sixth-round stoppage. (Picture by Alex Livesey/Getty Pictures)
Mild heavyweight
Daniel Blenda Dos Santos (22-1, 10 KOs) will make the primary protection of his title in opposition to official challenger Shakan Pitters (19-2, 6 KOs). The combat had been on account of happen on November 9 in France however was postponed on account of TV points.
Tremendous middleweight
Kevin Lele Sadjo (23-0, 20 KOs) has made two profitable defenses since first claiming the vacant EBU title in December 2021. The Frenchman had been scheduled to face necessary challenger Ivan Zucco (19-0, 16 KOs) however the combat was postponed when Zucco was injured. Sadjo will as a substitute make a voluntary protection
Middleweight
Tyler Denny (19-2-3, 1 KO) will look to make his second protection of the title he gained final November when he faces voluntary challenger Hamzah Sheeraz (20-0, 16 KOs) at Wembley Stadium, on Saturday.
Abass Baraou (proper) – Picture by Leigh Dawney/Wasserman Boxing.
Junior middleweight
Abbas Barou (16-1, 9 KOs) gained the vacant EBU title by turning again the spirited effort of Sam Eggington (MD 12) in March. The German has made one protection and can subsequent face necessary challenger Oscar Diaz (13-0, 6 KOs).
Welterweight
Jordy Weiss (32-0-1, 3 KOs) claimed the vacant European title final October in opposition to Meriton Karaxha (UD 12) and made one protection. His necessary challenger is Michael McKinson however he’ll first make a voluntary protection in opposition to Samuel Molina (29-3, 15 KOs) on October 19.
Junior welterweight
Adam Azim vacated the title and Dalton Smith (16-0, 12 KOs) and Jon Fernandez (26-3, 22 KOs) will meet to fill the emptiness. They’d been on account of meet on September 28 however the combat was postponed till November.
Light-weight
Sam Noakes (15-0, 14 KOs) burst onto the scene earlier this yr dominating Yvan Mendy (UD 12) he has since made one protection. His official challenger is Laid Douadi (26-0-1, 2 KOs).
Junior light-weight
Khalil El Hadri (19-2, 9 KOs) gained the title in June and can face Salvador Jimenez (13-0-1, 5 KOs) in Les Mureaux, France on December 21.
Featherweight
Cristobal Lorente (19-0-1, 8 KOs) bested Mauro Forte (MD 12) to win the title in July. He’ll defend the title in opposition to an as but unknown opponent in November. His official challenger is Nathaniel Collins.
Junior featherweight
Dennis McCann (16-0-1, 8 KOs) beat Ionut Baluta (UD 12) of their rematch to win the vacant crown. He’s mandated to face Peter McGrail (9-1, 5 KOs) and the combat is to be negotiated.
Bantamweight
Thomas Essomba (18-8-1, 4 KOs) will make a voluntary protection in opposition to Charlie Edwards (19-1, 7 KOs) on September 27 in London. The winner should face the official challenger former two-time world champion Paul Butler.
Flyweights
Jay Harris (21-3, 11 KOs) will face fellow British boxer Conor Kelstall (12-0, 1 KOs) at a venue and date to be determined.
Questions and/or feedback might be despatched to Anson at [email protected].
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