Boxing for the Pride of Turkey: Yildirim vs. Kangul

Promoter Ahmet Oner is giving Turkish boxing fans a treat to savour and remember this Saturday at the the BJK Stadium in Istanbul, when Avni Yildirim fights Yusuf Kangul for the Turkish and WBC Asia super middleweight titles, in a barnstormer which is being dubbed: “Green and Gold Night.”

They fought last November when Avni won a UD. But Yusuf this time wants the same gloves…namely Reyes and he claims that Avni is unable to knock him out, or hurt him, so Ahmet has arranged a rematch to settle matters.

Ahmet sees this as a great opportunity to develop and flourish pro boxing in Turkey.  He says:

“Boxing in Turkey is not so big yet. But with this, Turkish people can see Avni and Yusuf in a great show in Istanbul. This has value for the future. We also have a strong undercard including an Olympian. We want the fans to have exciting fights.

“Everything has a future value and we have to continue quality boxing nights for boxing to grow in Turkey. If Avni wins we will bring across an international opponent to Turkey for him to fight. I want to catch new customers for boxing, giving them shows with WOW!”

The aim is to generate home grown interest in boxing throughout Turkey.  To date only one Turkish born fighter has won a world title.  Anton Christoforidis who was born in Mersin, Southern Turkey, won the vacant NBA light heavyweight title by defeating Melio Bettina by UD on January 13th 1941.

Ahmet aims to add to that singular tally.