Sunderland-based Nigerian cruiserweight Franklin Arinze, 10-0 (7 KOs) scored his second upset win since arriving in Europe as he outscored Norwegian Kevin Melhus, 13-1 (8 KOs) to win the vacant IBF European title at the Sofiensale in Vienna (Austria). Arinze won on scores of 98-92 twice with the third scorecard reading 95-95.
Arinze beat Samuli Karkkainen in his European debut – the same man that Melhus outscored in 2023 – but while Arinze's victory came in a very close fight Kevin won (as reported by BoxingScene back then) a highly dubious decision.
Melhus fought well in that contest – and did so against Arinze, but didn’t do enough to get the win.
