Finland's Amin Asikainen is still the European Boxing Union (EBU) middleweight (72.6 kilograms) champion. Asikainen's Italian opponent in the Tuesday night bout, Lorenzo di Giacomo, proved a worthy opponent, even if he looked like he was fighting one weight class too high.
The 12-round bout culminated with Di Giacomo having to resort to seeking a knock-out solution in the last round. When the time was up, however, Asikainen embraced the Italian with a smile on his face, for he already knew what the announcer would soon confirm: the champion had retained his title by points 118–112, 118–110, and 119–110.
The 7,000 spectators had undoubtedly come to Helsinki's Hartwall Arena to see their hero deliver a knock-out, but Asikainen proved a humane boxer.
"Before a fight I always hope I will win by points. That much I sympathise with my opponents", Asikainen, 31, said holding the championship belt in his hand.
The champion also blamed himself for undue laziness. "I allowed the guy to get unnecessarily close to me. Only later did I put some distance between us", the Finn, who had a further reach of the two, explained.
The Italian, who was clearly shorter than his opponent, tried eagerly to get into close-contact situations.
"I am sure he will notice on Wednesday that he took a couple of good punches in the forehead. The top of his face was quite red already after the second round", the native of Kirkkonummi commented after his 20th pro fight and as many pro victories.
Asikainen has now fought over the European championship title three times, winning each time. His next boxing ring date is with the German Sebastian Sylvester in Germany on March 3rd. This might change, however, should Asikainen receive an offer to fight for the World Championship.
http://www.hs.fi/english/article/Asikainen+retains+boxing+title/1135224719443>
