EBU Sanction Donovan El Hadri Rematch
The European Boxing Union thought it was that good they want to see it again.
The EBU have called for a rematch between Eric Donovan [16(8)-2(2)] and Khalil El Hadri [13(7)-2(0)].
The Kildare fighter won a Fight of the Year contender to climb his Everest and claim the EU super featherweight title when beating the game former French champion in Belfast earlier this month.
The 37-year-old won a close, tense and entertaining battle 115-112, 115-113, 114-113 at the Europa Hotel and live on TG4.
The Mark Dunlop managed fighter has yet to reveal what he plans to do next, with a baby due any day he has more important things on his mind.
There has been mention of a homecoming clash, while there has also been suggestion the European Championship medal winner may just bow out at the top.
However, if he is to fight on, Donvan will have to fight El Hadri again or vacate the EU title.
The continental governing body has set a deadline for purse bids for October 13.
The EBU was keen to point out that a rematch has been called because of how close and entertaining the fight was and not due to any concerns with regard to the outcome of the initial fight or how it was scored.
“An excellent EU-super featherweight-title fight recently took place in Belfast between Eric Donovan (lreland) and Kalil EIHadri (F). Donovan won the title but the contest was so close and Kalil EIHadri did so well, that the EBU granted an immediate rematch. The scores of the EBU-judges are not contested, it was a matter of closeand clear10:9-rounds. During that fight the excellent referee Anssi Perajoki (FIN)demonstrated how a boxer hasto be counted when prevented from falling by the ropes after having received a punch,” the EBU’s October circular said.
