By Per Ake Persson

While most established pros are opposed to fighting in the Olympics, there are two stars that will take the chance to qualify. One is former WBO middleweight champ Hassan N´Dam, who represented Cameroon in the 2004 Olympics but is now a French citizen. He told media in France he will take part in a tournament in Venezuela July 3 in order to qualify.

Former world champion Amir Khan told press in Karachi, Pakistan, he is interested in participating - if a deal could be reached with his promoter and the rules allowed it - he would like to try and qualify representing Pakistan. Khan fought in the 04 Olympics but then represented the UK.

The super middleweight fight between Arthur Abraham (44-5) and Tim-Robin Lihaug (15-1) is now ”upgraded” to a WBO International fight. At a press conference in Berlin trainer Ulli Wegner and promoter Kalle Sauerland made it clear that this was a last chance for Abraham.

Sauerland´s former First Lady, Cecilia Braekhus, who trained with Abraham for a long time, told Norwegian press she feels Abraham is tired and worn from a long career and ready for the taking.

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Spanish welterweight Kerman Lejarraga (14-0) defends the WBA Int´l title against British Challenger Denton Vassell (23-3) on June 4 in Bilbao. Vassell has been inactive for almost a year. On the undercard super lightweight Sandor Martin (26-1) marks time with a six rounder against Latvian journeyman Ivans Levickis (23-21).

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MGM announced the addition of former British champion and world title challenger Brian Rose to their stable of boxers.  Brian has inked a management deal with MGM and is looking forward to the next chapter of his career.

MGM's Sam Kynoch commented: "Brian has achieved a huge amount in his career to date and he remains full of ambition - with his sights firmly set on the very pinnacle of the sport.  Everyone at MGM is looking forward to working with Brian". 

Brian Rose added, "I Think I need a fresh start and have seen what MGM have done for other fighters and believe it's what I need at this time in my career. I'm going to give it one last push and think MGM can get me the right fights to get me back to my best".