Irissa Fights Moroccan

The long-awaited International Boxing Federation (IBF) title bout involving the Burkinabe, Kabore Irissa, last weekend took a new twist when his Ukrainian opponent was disqualified by IBF officials.

The Federation decided at the last minute to disqualify the Ukrainian, who lost his last two bouts, despite his impressive record of 35 fights in the Super Welterweight division.

According to Jean-Pierre Mahe, coach and manager of Kabore Irissa, 28, the boxer had 14 fights, won all with 9 knock-outs and will now fight Moroccan Badre Beleje, 30, who had 22 fights and won 20, with 9 knock-outs and 2 defeats.

Both boxers- Irissa, 70 kg and 1.85m tall, and Beleje, 69 kg and 1.75m- will meet for the vacant IBF Super Welterweight title belt on Saturday May 3, 2008 in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.

Mr Jean-Pierre said it is the first time in the history of Burkina Faso that a Burkinabe boxer will fight as a challenger for the World title in front of the country's fans, and with the hard training that was given to Irissa at Azumah's gym, he believes the boxer will emerge the winner of such an important bout.

“Irissa, who fought 113 times as an amateur with 80 knock-outs from Atlanta to Sydney Olympics before turning professional, has the edge to overpower his opponent come Saturday,” he added.

By Pierre Toto