Euro News: EBU’s Stance on Russia, Magnesi Defense Set, Patera, More

The EBU announced on March 2 that it will not allow fighters from Russia or Belarus to compete for any of its titles thus joining the WBA, WBC, WBO, IBF and IBO in boycotting these two countries while the war is ongoing with Ukraine.

This may affect David Avanesyan, who is living in the UK. Avanesyan is of Armenian descent, but also a Russian citizen. He is set to defend the EBU welterweight title against Oskari Metz March 19 in London. However, at this point the fight is still on.

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IBO lightweight champ Michael Magnesi (20-0) will defend the title against Mexican challenger Dennis Contreras on April 9 in Civitavecchia (Italy.

This is the second defense of the title by Magnesi, who beat Patrick Kinigamazi in 2020 to become champion.

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Norwegian cruiserweight Kai Robin Havnaa (16-0) comes back on March 19 in Berlin after more than two years out. Opponent has yet to be announced.

The layoff is mainly due to the coronavirus pandemic and its restrictions.

Headlining this Wassermann promotion is Abass Barou vs Brian Chaves.

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Former EBU lightweight champ Francesco Patera (25-3) squares off against Spaniard Samuel Molina (19-1) on April 16 in Liege (Belgium), reports Espabox. At stake is the WBO Global title.