Iron Man’s Head Melted: Rogan unsure of EU move

June 6 Jonny Stapleton

Confusion reigns over Martin Rogan EU Heavyweight title bid after the EBU responded to the news he pulled out of the initial July 16 date by stressing the Belfast man is still No.1 contender and forcing Sauerland Promotions to reschedule.

Rogan was initially meant to fight the unbeaten Kurbrat Pulev in the Olympia-Eissportzentrum in Munich this month, but pulled out citing a lack of preparation time as the catalyst behind his withdrawal.

Sauerland Promotions, who won the purse bids to promote the continental clash, instantly drafted in Maksym Pediura as a replacement and it seemed The Iron Man’s European ambitions were over.

However, the EBU informed the German based promotion company that Pulev has to fight the former Commonwealth champion for the vacated strap and forced them to set a date suitable for both parties.

“Martin Rogan is still number 1 contender,” an EU spokesperson confirmed. “Martin Rogan was not available to fight on the scheduled date of 16th July next. Therefore, Sauerland have to set a new date. We are now waiting to know from the promoter Sauerland Event the new date fixed for the fight.”

The inaugural Prizefighter winner was a little less clear on the situation. Rogan wants the fight but claims he is receiving mixed messages.

The fighter, who is two fights into his comeback from serious neck injury, wants official confirmation as soon as possible.

“I just don’t know what happening. I want this fight. The EBU say I am number 1 contender, but Sauerland have a replacement in. I pulled out of the fight initially because they ambushed me with a date. Pulev’s team told me to be ready for late July early August and then I find out the fight is July 16. I just want to get it cleared up. The latest I am hearing is it will be August 27 in Germany, but I can’t be sure of that. I have other offers coming in and I am eager to get back fighting. I would love to challenge for that belt.”

Meanwhile two former Olympians are prepared to stand toe-to-toe Friday, July 29th, 2011 at the Mohegan Sun Arena in a heavyweight title bout that could move the winner one step closer to boxing’s ultimate prize.
Undefeated Mariusz Wach (24-0, 12 KOs), who competed for his native Poland in the 2004 Olympics, will face former world-rated contender Kevin McBride (35-9-1, 29 KOs), a participant for Ireland in the 2002 Summer Games, in the 12-round main event of Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment & Sports’ “Heat Wave” show at Uncasville, Conn., with the vacant World Boxing Council (WBC) International heavyweight championship on the line