03.08.06: Officially,
he is still the World Boxing Foundation (WBF) ‘world’
middleweight champion, but French-Armenian Arsen
Khachatrian is
distinctly undecided about his future. The 30-year-old lost a
highly controversial 8-round decision in Germany last time out
in March to local ‘Lion’ Mahir and still isn’t sure
whether he wants to step back into the ring.
Khachatrian’s
only defence of the WBF title is almost exactly one year ago,
because Fight Production’s and his French managers Pietro
Pozza and Alain Ruocco combined efforts proved not sufficient
enough to enable further promotions headlining Khachatrian. A
lack of interest from fans and sponsors alike wasn’t the only
reason, also the fees demanded by the French Federation FFB
created huge obstacles.
However,
Olaf Schroeder of the Fight Production disclosed that his
German-based company offered Khachatrian alternative avenues,
but that the fighter felt it was better to play it safe for
little money. Actually, Khachatrian announced before his last
outing “What business do I have (in the ring) when I can’t
beat Mahir?” – only to see his record drop to 28-2 (12
KO’s) after the judges had their say. The determination seemed
to leave the champion together with a possible victory. “Given
that I offered him a clash with rival WBU champion Gary Lockett,
it was the wrong decision by Arsen,” said Schroeder, “but
aren’t we all wiser after the event? I certainly can’t blame
anyone, everybody is on good terms, and if Arsen decides to
continue his career, I am always willing to help if I can.”
The
Australian-based World Boxing Foundation president Mick Croucher
meanwhile announced that he could soon be forced to vacate
Khachatrian’s title, as the ruling body has a 6-month defence
deadline.
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