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Sam Defeats Okhello For
Kempten/Germany – It was “only” under card but the bout between Turkish Sinan Samil Sam (WBC #3) and African Peter Okhello for the WBC International Heavyweight Title was the attraction of the night. The Turkish title holder defeated his belt by unanimous decision.
30
year old Sam dominated the fight right from the beginning. Good
jabs and hard right hands to body and head of Okhello. The
Uganda-guy started way to slow, didn’t keep the distance and
needed time to adjust.
Peter Okhello, living since eight years in Japan, came for the
first time to fight in Europe because he didn’t have had any
real opponents in Asia. The KO-guy (16 KO’s in 17 fights) came
with high expectations – and had to realize that it needs more
to survive in the real world of boxing. Says Okhello: “I was
really good. After round eleven my coach told me ‘You have him’.
I just needed one more round and would have won in the
thirteen’s.”
Indeed, after half of the fight Okhello, after taking a lot
punches, fought back and impressed Sam with hard hands. But
always to the end of the rounds the Turkish “Bull of the
Bosporus” scored on the cards with good combinations.
Sinan Samil Sam dominated almost every round, was even able to
take some breaks in the last rounds without being in danger. As
Amateur he won the World Heavyweight Title and was nine times
Turkish champion. A lot of experience which was helpful against
Okhello. Because the 32 year old Ugandan was dangerous until the
last bell.
Heavy hands of both fighters, almost no defense in round eleven
and a out-of-the-blue knockdown by Peter Okhello in the last
round electrified the 4000 in the bigBOX arena of Kempten. Sam
went to the canvas – but more because of missing a shot than by
being hit. But referee Massimo Barrovecchio counted until five.
Than the bell stopped the bout. On the score cards Sinan Samil Sam won by unanimous decision – 116:111, 117:111, 115:112. “I will get to the top. Next year I want to fight for a world championship”, says Sam. But it’s gonna be a long way for WBC #3. Coach Uli Wegner: “Sinan has to work on his defense. Tactic tonight was okay but his weakness is the defense. We already practiced a lot defense but he needs to make progress for a world title fight.”
Vidoz European Champ by sensation win over Hoffmann
Main act of the night – the vacant European Heavyweight Title
between German Timo Hoffmann and Italian Paolo Vidoz ended with
a sensational victory by the underdog Vidoz!
The Italian stepped into the ring for British Michael Sprott who
called off the fight only four days before with stomach illness.
But he showed how to fight with a lion’s heart! Vidoz (18-0-2)
who never fought more than nine rounds just had four days to
prepare. Says Vidoz: “I did a lot of weight lifting and
cycling.”
He
stared furious, impressed the Hoffmann with his fabulous upper
cuts. The German had nose bleeding after round one and was
obviously totally surprised. Hoffmann had prepared his third
attempt for the European Title in Florida, worked seven weeks
with star coach Buddy McGirt. A big advantage under normal
circumstances against somebody with a week practice… But the taller German (6-7.5) was to static. No footwork and Hoffmann always stayed to close with Vidoz (6-3). The underdog was quick, fought very variable and went forward until round eight. But even as he was tired he had an easy way with Hoffman because he was to harmless.
In
round six Hoffman went down after 1:40 minutes. A right upper
cut by Vidoz to his chin sent Hoffman to the canvas. “I have no
idea how I did it. I am done, totally exhausted”, says Vidoz who
started crying after the win.
Scandalous was the split decision: After judges Alfred Asaro
(115:112) and Francisco Marcos (114:1113) scored for Vidoz
Hungarian judge Bela Florian gave a 115:113 win to the German.
Yelling from the German fans! They had in memories the last UD
win by Hoffmann against Bob Mirovic who was the better fighter. The surprising loss for Timo Hoffmann could end his career. Promoter Wilfried Sauerland: “Vidoz was the better fighter. Now we have to see what’s going on with Timo. If you can’t even win the European Title it’s not worth continuing with boxing.” Lucky Paolo Vidoz who won his first title: “Now Italy is proud of me.”
Other results:
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