By Per Ake Persson

Light heavyweights Igor Mikhalkin (22-2) and Timur Nikarkhoev (21-2) clash for the vacant IBO interim title July 6 at the CU Arena in Hamburg. Swede Sven Fornling, who holds the "real" IBO title is still in rehab training after the stress fracture he suffered while training for an almost on fight against Artur Beterbiev in May.

Mikhalkin, a former IBO and EBU champ is a big favourite against Nikarkhoev, and is also mandatory challenger for the EBU title held by Dominic Boesel, -We will decide on what to do after July 6, says promoter Erol Ceylan.

In other action on this show are the returns for light heavyweight Karo Murat (32-4-1) who lost to Fornling last time out and heavyweight Michael Wallisch (19-2) who have suffered back to back losses against Christian Hammer and Efe Ajagba. Murat takes on Viktor Polyakov (13-6-1) and Wallisch is in against Abdulnaser Delalic (5-4).

Headlining the show is Tulani Mbenge defending the IBO 147 lb title against Sebastian Formella.

The EBU, still standing strong among the numerous "European titles" held its annual General Assembly last weekend in Croatia. As always there was a number of nominations:  EBU fighter of the year was forrmer welter champ  Kerman Lejarraga, Fight of the year was Francesco Patera´s upset win over Lewis Ritson, and promoter of the year was Ulf Steinforth of SES.

While these days officially "only" a champion organisation the EBU are the only ones trying some kind of order between its members. This year there was a discussion on the delicate matter of suspensions. It´s been a fact for some time that a tko loss or even a ko loss may lead to a suspension from one member the fighter in question often is back in action within a few weeks or even a few days.

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Danish super welterweight prospect Oliver Meng (5-0) takes on Frenchman Flavien Bruno Bogongo (6-7-4) on the Jorgen Hansen Memorial Show in Randers (Denmark) June 15. Bogongo´s record is a bit deceiving and includes two draws with current national champ Yahya Tlazouti.

Topping the bill is Enock Poulsen (10-0) vs Michal Syrowatka (20-2) for the vacant EU 140 lb title.

As for the Memorial part of this Danish Fight Night promotion it is to commemorate Jorgen Hansen´s classic come from behind win over Dave "Boy" Green in Randers back in 1979.