It worked on the second try! Stefan Nikolic was crowned WBF Intercontinental Cruiserweight Champion at the 12th Bounce Fight Night on Saturday. Exactly a year ago, an injury scuppered the bounce boxer’s plans. Nikolić suffered a ruptured eardrum and hence had to concede defeat to Colombian Julio Cesar Calimeno. But this time Nikolic won the title.
On September 16, 2023, “El Grande” Nikolic took advantage of his second chance. In the title fight against Sweden’s Samo Jangirov he was the boss in the ring for all 10 rounds with a few exceptions, winning via unanimous decision on points and was now able to accept the international belt. Bounce Fight Night took place at the Hotel Intercontinental in Vienna.
The performance is particularly notable because Nikolić had to battle the flu during preparation. Nevertheless, there was enough strength for victory. The bounce boxer was largely able to take advantage of his greater reach and fend off the stronger opponent, who has his own strengths in inside combat. “This is the biggest day of my career,” Nikolic said excitedly after the fight.
But the Bounce team had even more reason to be happy. In further fights, Seun Salami in the heavyweight and Mobin Kahrez in the light heavyweight confirmed their ambitions for international title fights. Salami returns to Vienna after an intense battle with world champion Usyk just a few weeks ago. He put pressure on Brazilian Marcelo Luis do Nascimento from the first lap. The opponent could withstand it only for three rounds. Ultimately, a sixth knockout victory occurred in the seventh fight.
Mobin Kahrez met previously undefeated German Tom Wahlmann. In a high-class fight, Kaharez was the boss in the ring. Wahlman had to concede defeat early in the fourth round due to a shoulder injury. It was Kahrez’s fifth start win in his seventh professional fight.
Michaela Kotsakova made short work of Bosnia-Herzegovina’s Hasna Tukic. The Czech native made short work of his opponent and finished the fight in the first round. The Viennese professional boxer told the audience that Kotakova would defend her title or “maybe something even bigger” at the next fight night.
In the light welterweight division, Sergio Odabei begins his comeback after suffering a heavy knockout loss in his last fight. He partially succeeded. After a tough debate with Chinese Ciaran Engel, the judges decided a draw. Sergio Odabei suffered a serious head injury in the second round and was taken to hospital where he was diagnosed with a concussion. He is doing well and is already back home.
Olympic boxers once again gave excellent boxing in the 12th Bounce Fight Night. Arsen Chabayan unanimously defeated the strong Croatian Marin Jelačić in the weight category up to 63.5 kg, giving his opponent only the second defeat in his career. Chabayan impressed with his pace and technique.
Marcel Meinel had to fight hard in the weight category up to 71 kg. In a wild fight he was able to win via unanimous decision on points against Croatia’s strong Bruno Filipšić. Chabayan and Minal’s bigger goal is to qualify for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. The qualifying tournament will take place in February 2024. Both the Olympic boxers proved with their performance that they are ready for their big goal. Women’s Olympic boxing hopeful Anastasija Lukajic. In the fight against Hungary’s Dominika Nemeth in the weight category up to 66 kg, she tested her talent and clearly won on points.
The next Bounce Fight Night will take place on December 2nd.
