Euro defences looming
2 March 2010 – By Cormac Campbell
Two of Irelands three European champions have learned the names of the opponents they will face in the first defence of their titles.
Middleweight kingpin Matthew Macklin will continue his march towards a world title tilt with a dangerous assignment against 30-year-old German based Armenian Khoren Gevor. The Sky televised event will take place in Birmingham on April 16. Former champion Gevor, 31-4 (16KO) replaces mandatory contender Dmitry Pirog who recently withdrew from the contest.
Gevors two most recent defeats came in World title challenges to Felix Sturm and Arthur Abraham and he holds victories over two of Macklins, 26-2 (18KO), recent victims Amin Asikainen (TKO7) and Rafa Sosa Pintos (UD8).
Meanwhile, super-middleweight champion Brian Magee will tackle unbeaten Ukranian Stanislav Kashtanov 26-0 (14KO) on a date and venue yet to be confirmed. The bout will be the first defence of the title Magee won in January against Danish star Mads Larsen.
Meanwhile, European light-welterweight champion Paul McCloskey will learn in the coming weeks when his Kings Hall defence against Italian challenger Guiseppe Lauri will take place.
