Finnish-Spanish super bantamweight Jose Antonio Sanchez Romero (13-0-1) has been forced to pull out of the fight for the vacant EU title against Cristian Rodriguez (12-5) December 11 in Helsinki.

Trainer Pekka Maeki reports that Jose Antonio came down with the flu and couldn't train for ten days. The EBU has nominated Italian Luca Rigoldi (25-2-2) as co-challenger and the fight goes to purse bids on November 15 with the winner to face Sanchez Romero.

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Spanish super lightweight Ignacio "Naxto" Mendoza ended his long career Friday (Oct 22) night in Vitoria with a points win over Hermin Isava. Mendoza leaves boxing with a record of 44-14-3 and over the years he took on all comers in Europe winning some, losing some and fighting for a number of titles. He was an excellent boxer but with a questionable chin.

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More on former EBU super feather champ Samir Ziani: he will now fight for the vacant IBF Intercontinental on November 27 in France against an opponent to be announced.

Ziani had some bad luck as EBU champ with mandatory challenger John Carter pulling out three times due to injuries. When the EBU replaced Carter with Faroukh Kourbanov then Samir himself got injured.

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Pinoy super featherweight prospect Mark Bernaldez (23-4) is in for a tough challenge as he faces undefeated Andres Cortes (15-0) on November 5 at the Virgin Hotels in Las Vegas, Nevada. Cortes was last seen overcoming Filipino warrior Genesis Servania via first round knockout. As such we see Bernaldez coming in a underdog in this match-up.

Bernaldez is aware of the danger lying ahead of him.

“I saw Cortes beat Servania in his latest fight. He is a good fighter with hi ring IQ. I will do my best to get the victory and make my country proud come November 5," Bernaldez said.

Sanman CEO Jim Claude Manangquil expressed his confidence in Bernaldez.

“Mark is a seasoned fighter. Cortes is a promising prospect but I believe experience will prevail in this fight. He has worked so hard in Miami with trainer Moro Fernandez. He is prepared and will win this fight," Manangquil stated.