WBA jr. welterweight champ Andreas Kotelnik will, according to the always well informed site notifight, defend the title against Argentinian puncher Rene Maidana on February 7 on a card promoted by Universum.

The European Boxing Association, formed in the ashes of the WBA Int´l title and out in the cold for years - is now back with the WBA. Also coming is the WBO European title. The sometimes powerful EBU have had more or less a monopoly on the word "European" but are now faced with a tough challenge.

Neither cruiserweight Rudolf Kraj nor heavyweight Vladimir Virchis are signed with Spotlight Boxing any longer. As to why the reply was "no comments".

Bulgarian amateur star Kubrat Pulev, Euro champ this year, is surrounded by rumors of turning pro but there is a problem - Pulev is reportedly signed up by the Bulgarian armed forces for a ten year contract.

Ivan Pozo and Christophe Rodrigues clash for the EBU flyweight title on December 13 in Vigo, Spain. The winner will face Italian Andrea Sarritzu.

French welterweight Louise Mimoune won the national welter title with a points win over Franck Harroche Horta Friday night. Both men are often on the road in Europe always giving a good account of themselves.

Amateur star Jerome Thomas, now fighting at bantamweight, turned pro November 20 with a points win over Slovakian Elemir Rafael in St Quentin. On top of the bill Cyril Thomas stopped Argentinian Jose Saez in ten in a IBF eliminator at featherweight.