By Per Ake Persson
Belgian cruiserweight Ryan Merhy headlined the annual show in Izegem a few nights ago (November 1) and stopped Hungarian Tamas Bajzath (12-19-1) in the third of a scheduled eight rounder.
Next up for Merhy is a defense of the WBA Intercontinental title on December 17 at the Spiroudome in Charlerori. Opponent is to be announced.
Merhy (21-0, 18ko) turned pro in 2013 and have been moved carefully but have made steady progress and won the WBA I/C title earlier this year.
Thoerner Asman has passed in Gothenburg (Sweden) at the age of 85. Asman was feared puncher in the 1950´s but had the misfortune of being around at the same as the future heavyweight champion of the world in Ingemar Johansson.
When Johansson turned pro Asman was among the biggest stars in Swedish amateur boxing and participated in the European championships in 1955 and the Olympic Games in 1956 reaching quarterfinals in both tournaments.
In 1957 Asman turned pro but again ended up in the shadow of Ingemar Johansson. Asman was close to the big time though and I remember how he told me how German Karl Mildenberger had twisted his arm and broken it so he had to retire. Thoerner didn´t just tell me - he showed it too and believe me, it hurt. As it was Asman left the professional game with a record of 11-3-2.
After his active career had ended Thoerner became a very respected trainer and coach for Hisingen BC in Gothenburg.
