Rico Muller still IBO Intercontinental Champion – Robert Maess new German light middleweight champion

Rico Muller succesfully defended his IBO intercontinental welterweight championship after an exciting twelve-round battle Saturday night in Eberswalde, Germany. The local hero scored a unanimous decision against late sub Ramhadani Shauri from Tanzania even though Shauri made Muller work hard for his first title defense.

Scores were 118:110, 116:112 and 115:113 with 115:113 being closest to the non-stop action in the ring. Shauri was the more active fighter while Muller scored the more effective punches. „It was hard work but with my fans in my back I simply couldn’t lose this fight. I think the fans got their money worth tonight“, said Muller.

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Robert Maess stayed unbeaten and won the German light middleweight championship by knocking out „Prince“ Issa El Sleiman cold in the seventh round of a spectacular fight. It was Maess’ tenth win in as many pro fights, all ten wins came by way of knockout. El Sleiman entered the ring with an injury on his right arm but showed great heart in a give-and-take war as long as it lasted.

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Jennifer Retzke missed to win her second world title when she fought to a majority draw against Florence Muthoni from Kenya. After 10 close rounds two judges scored it 95:95 while one judge had it 96:94 for Muthoni. „I started to slowly so the draw is alright“, said Retzke who lost the first but won the last rounds. The IBO ordered a rematch for their still vacant world welterweight championship which could take place by the end of the year.