By Per Ake Persson
As previously reported on BoxingScene.com, Universum have given all of their staff members notice that their employment with the company could be over come July 31. This does not affect the boxers under contract or the trainers - all of whom are employed on a freelance basis. The main reason for Universum´s problems is that longterm TV partner ZDF needs to cut down on its costs and as a result boxing goes out. Universum have reportedly had lengthy negotiations with other networks but no deal hasbeen announced. As it istands right now the company will continue to operate after July 31 but on a lesser scale and mainly with managing fighters.
Baltic Pro Box have - again - postponed it´s planned big show in Kampala and have now moved it from May 22 until June 26. Heavyweights Al Cole vs Joey Abell headline.
Firat Arslan, inactive since losing to Guillermo Jones in September 08, goes for the WBA interim-cruiserweight title against Frenchman Steve Herelius July 3 in Stuttgart. Arslan co-headlines the show along with female star Ina Menzer.
IBF super middleweight champ Lucian Bute will defend the title July 24 in Romania. No opponent has been announced yet although it´s claimed that WBO ruler Robert Stieglitz has turned down an offer to take on Bute.
37-year old Salvatore Battaglia, former Italian champ and a two-time challenger for the EBU jr welter title, have been charged with homicide in Siracusa, Italy. Battaglia is charged with a murder the authorities claims is associated with organized crime. Battaglia, 23-5, fought Oktay Urkal and Jr Whitter for the EBU title in a procareer that lasted 96 through 06.
Former WBA and WBC light heavyweight and WBA cruiser champ Fabrice Tiozzo now says his comeback is on for October in Ouagadougou in Burkina Faso. The 41-year old have been out since July of 06.
WBO cruiser champ Marco Huck outclassed the brave Brian Minto on Saturday night in Oldenburg for a tenth (not out) round stoppage. It was bascially one way traffic - if it hadn´t been for the long breaks between his attacks that Huck appeared to need. It also seemed as if Minto´s steady body attack had an effect on the champion. On the other hand Minto was easy to hit, suffering three knockdowns and his corner talked about retiring their man a few rounds before they did. On the undercard Swedish cruiserweight prospect Erik Skoglund turned pro and won clearly but looked a bit too green for comfort and one have to wonder if the 18-year old shouldn´t have stayed as amateur for another year.
